New Years Eve Tips

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

For a traditional New Years Eve.

New Years Eve. The final day of the Gregorian calendar is on 31st December. In modern western society it is celebrated with parties and social gatherings spanning the transition of midnight.

New Years Eve can be the most monumental day on the calendar. Filled with a mixture of anticipation, joy or even dread; a time to bind farewell or good riddance to the old year, with intentions to make the most of the year ahead.

New Years Eve is commonly referred to as Hogmanay. Hogmanay is the Scottish word for last day of the year Historically popular in Scotland, its popularity throughout the western world has increased since the year 2000 and the new millenium. Fireworks have become almost as popular on New Years Eve as they are on Guy Fawkes Night.

What is Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the term given to New Year celebrations in Scotland. There are many theories of how the word Hogmanay originated, but it is generally attributed to the Scandanavian influence. This influence was strongest in the Shetlands where the word for New Year is Yules and the eve of new year, Hoggo nott, meaning feast preceding yule.

What is First Footing??

First Footing according to Briish folklore is the first person to cross the threshold in a New Year .

The First Foot is said to bring good fortune and luck into the home in the coming year.

The can be a resident of the home but should not be present in the home on the stroke of midnight.

Traditionally the First Foot should be a tall, dark handsome male, wheras a female or fair haired male are regarded as unlucky although there are some interesting regional variations on this:

Worcestershire luck is ensure by stopping the first carol singer and leading him through the house. Whilst in Yorkshire providing the First Foot is male, fairness is not a problem.

The i>First Foot usually brings with him several representative gifts:

Coin for prosperity

Bread for food

Salt for flavour

Coal for warmth.

First Footing may have its origins in British folklore but it has become a universal practice. In Greece for example the First Foot is carefully chosen, such is the believe that bad luck as well as good luck can ensue from a n inappropriate choice.

It is in this part of the world that the lady of the house serves all the guests with Christmas treats to ensure that good luck will come in that New year.

When did it begin?

The practice of making New Year Resolutions dates back to 153BC, Rome and the mythical king Janus. Janus with two faces could look back on the old year and look forward to the new year. The Romans began the practice of exchanging gifts at new year by the giving and receiving of branches from sacred trees to ensure good luck

New Years Eve can be a bit hit and miss. This is because we are generally too wrapped up with Christmas to plan the end of year celebrations.By the time we get round to it we are not only faced with a financial constraint but also a time constraint, made even more difficult by the logistics of getting to and from venues by the cost of taxis. Frustrations may lead you to ending the old year and starting the new year on a sour note or one tinged with disappointment.

So how can you avoid this annual pitfall?

PLAN

What you would like to do and where

Take some time out of your busy pre holiday schedule to think about New Years Eve. If you usually spend it in the company of others then take the bull by the horns and prompt others in your social circle to do the same. The sooner you start the more time you will have to consider alternative ways of enjoying yourselves.

PREPARE

Is the idea feasible?

Sometimes it’s only when you start to put a plan into action do problems become apparent. Left to the last minute some logistical problems cannot be resolved. Thinking ahead will give you valuable time to iron out any perceived difficulties you may encounter.

PROCEED

What can you do beforehand?

Ensure that everyone likely to be involved in the New years Eve celebrations has as much notice as possible so that they can each make their own plans. This is increasingly relevant if children are involved.

Many venues are ticket only on New Years Eve so if you are planning a night out at a pub or club check direct with the venue before hand

Babysitting is at a premium on New Years Eve. Ringing round a few hours beforehand is likely to prove fruitless.

Taxis; lets be honest can be unreliable at the best of times even for loyal customers. Be aware of the premium rate they may charge and book well in advance. As a rough guide plan your journey to arrive at your destination between thirty minutes and one hour earlier than the designated time. This way if your taxi is delayed you will not be pacing the room like an expectant father. Remember it’s not a limo service.

Staying sober on New Years Eve doesn’t have to be the boring option. Why not treat your guests to non alcoholic cocktails-all the fun without the hangover.

With a selection of fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, apple juice and lemonade you can make interesting cocktails, tailored to individual tastes to serve to your guests. Garnish with slices of lemon and lime and serve in high ball glasses.

Pink lemonade makes an acceptable alternative to toast the New Year. Serve in champagne flutes to make it that bit more special.

Tea and coffee should be available for all guests. If you don't feel like brewing up every 5 minutes, why not lay out a tray so guests can help themselves.