As we’re approaching the end of the year, I’m interested to know of the ways various cultures, or individual families/people, celebrate the end of a year, or the start of a new year. A few years ago, during a sit in Hawaii over a Christmas and New Year season, the homeowners notified me that one of their dogs became particularly anxious over fireworks. What wasn’t explained was that EVERY family had extended fireworks parties, like nothing I’d ever seen before. There was a special jacket available for me to use (for the dog, not me ), but instead I chose to wrap him up in a blanket and wrap my arms around him, and all went well. We both benefitted from my approach
I’m Scottish……… is that enough said or do you want more details?
Hogmanay was the biggest holiday in the calendar in Scotland. People worked through Christmas Day but always had a half day off for Hogmanay. Like most Scottish traditions it revolves around food and drink.
The house has to be cleaned from top to bottom to welcome in the New Year. All the laundry is done. No dirty dishes. No unfinished jobs. Well in my house that was the rules but I think my parents just liked having a perfect house for one night. We have a very large family.
Food.
Clootie dumpling.
Black bun
Steak pie
Stovies
Shortbread
Haggis, neaps and tattles.
Drink.
Whiskey, single malt for good friends, blended for acquaintances.
Maybe a spot of water but no other mixers allowed.
Traditions.
First footing. The first person to cross your home’s threshold must be tall, dark, male and carrying a lump of coal
Families go from house to house greeting friends and neighbours and have a dram in each. Needless to say there is some epic hangovers.
Shooting the Old Year. Firing a rifle outside as the bells chime.
Music and songs. Everyone knows auld Lang Syne. There’s usually a piper who pipes in the New Year. 8some reel. Gay Gordon’s. Strip the willow (don’t ask). Dashing white Sargent. Slip Reel
All fun and games. Sadly it is a dying tradition now as we don’t live in close knit communities anymore and neighbours are strangers. Large ticket parties in city centres are the thing now. But there is always someone who keeps the traditions alive.
Elsie that sounds marvellous. I adore Scotland and really hoping to have a white Christmas and New Year there in 2022… if the world gets back to dome.sort of normal. Thank you for sharing the magic…x
My cultural and personal New Year’s traditions are akin to a mixed breed delightful dog.
On one occasion I prepared a Shepherd’s pie with a Puerto Rican flare. Served it to my HOs and their friends and it was a big hit
My HOs on this sit will be coming home New Year’s Day for two nights before heading out to another exotic adventure.
I will be preparing a pork loin seasoned Latin style (marinated with citrus, onions, fresh garlic with whole peppercorns), sauerkraut, and very well seasoned (asian garlic Chile) black beans, bread and red and white wines.
I know these people very well and what they like so it will indeed be a very Happy festive New Year.
I do enjoy the kitchen and experimenting with flavors. I shy away from cooking for others unless I am confident with what I’m conjuring and comfortable with the people.
This will be a fun day.
Let me knowing if you try it
), but instead I chose to wrap him up in a blanket and wrap my arms around him, and all went well. We both benefitted from my approach 
