Acommon effect of the revolutionary war was that:

A common effect of the Revolutionary War was that families were divided in loyalty.

The Revolutionary War tore families due to extreme disagreement. For example, the father of the family is a patriot that wants to fight for his freedom from England’s King, while the mother is a loyalist who wants to be loyal under the rule of the king. In this example, Fathers and Mothers would split up or get divorced because the disagreements were so bitter.

families were divided into loyalty (APEX)

it's a secular holiday. it is and was a custom developed to recognize the ending of a time and a wish for a good future. the kind of kiss you exchange, if you are single, is intended to predict what kind of year you will have in the coming year.

it is saying good bye to the last year with all its ups and downs, and hello to the new year, with all its hopes and dreams.