Ring in the New Year: Traditions

The holidays are approaching fast and approaching even faster is 2025! Want to ring in the new year and ensure you’ll have 365 days filled with good luck? Maybe you should try some of these traditions…

   1) Watch the ball drop in Times Square

This is a classic way to start the new year– Americans have been watching the ball drop since 1907! There are lots of dropping objects around the country on New Year’s, but the ball drop in New York City is the most famous

   2) Eat 12 grapes   

A Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes for each stroke of midnight. You’d better eat fast, or it’s a full year of bad luck! 

   3) Smash a plate

Inspired by the Danish, you can smash plates on the doorsteps of your friends and family. The bigger the mess, the more luck they’ll receive. 

   4) Decorate your door (with onions?)

Invite good luck for the new year into your home by hanging bundles of onions outside your door. Onions symbolize prosperity, according to the Greeks.

   5) Eat a traditional food

Many different cultures have foods that are best for ringing in the new year. To maximize your luck, try them all! They include black eyed peas, lentil soup, long noodles, ham hocks, collard greens, cabbage, round fruits, whole fish with the head and tail, pomegranates, cornbread, and pork with sauerkraut.

   6) Leap into the New Year, literally

Start 2025 strong by jumping into it! Hop on the nearest chair, couch, or table and jump off as the clock strikes midnight.

   7) Sing “Auld Lang Syne”

Sick of Christmas songs? Sing the classic New Year’s song, “Auld Lang Syne,” instead. It’ll give you a final chance to reminisce on the past year and appreciate the good times.

Source: "35 Popular New Year's Eve Traditions to Start 2025 Off on the Right Foot," Good Housekeeping