January did not become an official "New Year" until the creation of the the Julian calendar in 45 BC.
It certainly makes more sense to start a year with spring's birth and renewal. There are many different cultures and religions represented in Asian New Year festivals most going back to agricultural rituals. They all occur at around the same time but are celebrated uniquely. In Thailand it is Songkran and water guns are now required! Jay's culture involves a lot of food but they do in most aspects of life.