Why does elie describe himself as "afraid" of having to wish his father a happy new year?

Um no one can answer this because we didn't read the story but my answer is: He might not have seen his dad in a long time and he was scared to see him again. Or: He is just afraid. Sorry if this does not help.

Answertheatre had an unsavory reputation london authorities refused to allow plays within the city, so theatres opened across the thames in southwark, outside the authority of the city administration