Family New Year Traditions

[Platapus]

I am always interested in learning how other families choose to bring in the new year. Please share those little, and sometimes silly, traditions your family does on New Years Day.

In my family, it is important to eat herring on New Years Day. Pickled herring either in vinegar or sour cream sauce.

It is recommended to do this AFTER exchanging the New Years Day kiss though.

[the_tyrant]

Practice piano
study for whatever is coming up (network + this year)

my mom believes that everyday that i don't go to school is a day for more learning

[antikristuseke]

We all go to separate parties usually. New years is a time spent with friends here, not family.

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

We all go to separate parties usually. New years is a time spent with friends here, not family.

Congratulations to the €, and hope that the economy is good for you with work and all,

[antikristuseke]

Thanks, the € is a bit depressing though, im only going to be making ~300 euro a month instead of 5000 EEK.
That's without overtime, which is a myth.

[Oberon]

I had a lady tell me that the other day, who I sometimes see around town, I don't know exactly where she's from but either her or her parents are from the far east somewhere I'd wager, but she said "Christmas is for family, New Years is for friends." which I'd never heard of before.

Anyway, here's one from the Scottish side of my family:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-Foot

[kiwi_2005]

New Years day is far more important than Christmas day New Years is for adults its a proper celebration of the new year Christmas is made up and is for the children.

Really have no NY traditions apart from getting together and having a good feast/drink - its a time to catch up with scattered family members

[Sailor Steve]

I guess my New Year tradition is to sit in front of my computer and talk to a bunch of other pathetic losers, just like every day.

Just kidding of course. None of the busses are running today or I'd go see a movie. I guess I'll just watch one here.

[MaddogK]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I am always interested in learning how other families choose to bring in the new year. Please share those little, and sometimes silly, traditions your family does on New Years Day.

In my family, it is important to eat herring on New Years Day. Pickled herring either in vinegar or sour cream sauce.

It is recommended to do this AFTER exchanging the New Years Day kiss though.

The same here, but I only eat herring in white wine sauce. My Grandmother claims it was to ensure good luck for the coming year (Danish or Swedish tradition) but I'm the only one left in my family who still honors that tradition. Wife has a single piece to humor me then washes it down with loads of Champaign, I do as well to humor her.

[DarkFish]

hehe we Dutch people eat loads of herring anyways so no reason to do it on new year's eve as well

One Dutch tradition is to eat "Oliebollen" ("Oil Balls"). They're essentially balls of dough fried/boiled in a deep fryer. They often contain raisins, and powder sugar is usually sprinkled on top of them.

[ReFaN]

Originally Posted by DarkFish

hehe we Dutch people eat loads of herring anyways so no reason to do it on new year's eve as well

One Dutch tradition is to eat "Oliebollen" ("Oil Balls"). They're essentially balls of dough fried/boiled in a deep fryer. They often contain raisins, and powder sugar is usually sprinkled on top of them.

Doesent Look that appetizing, but what do i know, perhaps i should try it :p

[DarkFish]

Originally Posted by ReFaN

Doesent Look that appetizing, but what do i know, perhaps i should try it :p

They actually taste pretty good

Apart from oliebollen, I can't really think of any special Dutch traditions. For the rest it's mostly the usual fireworks and champagne you see in most other countries.

A local tradition from the "Achterhoek" in the Eastern Netherlands is rolling waffles. Unfortunately this tradition has almost died out, and personally I don't expect it to survive the next generation.

[Jimbuna]

Christmas is for the children and New Year is for the adults....if I'm not working we usually have friends and family round to ours for a party.