January 1st marks the start of a brand-new calendar year, but the way it's celebrated goes far beyond the clock striking midnight. 

In many cultures, New Year's traditions are steeped in history, offering a chance to reflect on the past while looking forward to what lies ahead. 

How do we celebrate New Year in the UK? 

• A family gathering: this is the perfect opportunity for friends and families to get together to say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new one in. This could be as chilled as spending the night watching TV together, to a full blown party. 
• Countdown to midnight: this is a popular global tradition - if you can stay awake!
• Kiss your loved one/s: this tradition is thought to date back to two ancient winter festivals, Saturnalia in ancient Rome and Hogmanay that is still celebrated in Scotland and symbolise connection. 
• Sing Auld Lang Syne: originally a poem by Robert Burns, people sing this as they see it as a song of reconciliation and reflection. 
• Fireworks: a common symbol of celebration, people across the UK either set off their own fireworks, go to a local display or watch the iconic London demonstration on the TV. 
• New Year resolutions: most Brits set goals for the next year that they want to stick to, this can be anything from wanting to learn a new skill to exercising more, hoping to achieve it by the end of the year. 

How is it celebrated around the world?

• 🍽 Smashing plates: In Denmark, it would be a good thing to see a smashed plate on your doorstep as it means good luck! 
• 🪑Clearing out: It's not uncommon to find furniture on the street that has been thrown out of the window in Johannesburg, South Africa, as this is their way of starting the year without any unwanted items. 
• 🫘 Eating lentils: In Brazil, lentils represent money, so people will eat them with the hope of having good fortunes in the new year. 
• 🔔 Ringing bells: If you're in Japan for New Year you can expect it to be noisy, as the bells are usually rung in the temples 108 times! 
• 🐻 Dressing up: In Romania, people dress up as bears and dance to fend off evil spirits, an old custom that lives on today and is both popular with locals and tourists alike. 
• ☄️ Dropping things: The memorable Times Square ball drop in New York, USA, is a global symbol of the new year - millions tune in to watch the illuminated ball descend down the flagpole. 

Have a great New Year and start it your way!