Did You Know: One clock, many traditions — A tour of New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world

Start spreadin’ the news… I’m leavin’ today… I want to be a part of it… New York, New York

                                                ~ “New York, New York,” Frank Sinatra

Did you know New Year’s Eve is celebrated differently around the world? In the United States, the iconic Times Square ball drop marks the moment with glitter, confetti, concerts and collective countdown-induced anxiety, while families elsewhere may be enjoying traditions. At the Yilmaz household, I make homemade fast food, we sit around and play games (maybe for money) and watch the countdown from the comfort of our home.  In Spain, for example, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock, hoping for good luck in the coming year — a challenge that turns punctuality into a sport, according to the BBC.

Did you know that in Brazil, New Year’s Eve is more about faith? Many Brazilians wear white clothing to symbolize peace and renewal, then head to the beach to honor Yemanjá, the powerful Yoruba goddess of the sea, motherhood and fertility.  According to National Geographic, flowers and candles are offered to the ocean, and waves are jumped for good luck — seven times, to be precise — proving that starting the year drenched is considered a feature, not a bug.

Did you know that Scotland has another name for New Year’s? To the Scots, Hogmanay marks the final day of the year, and the celebrations can last for days. Festivities include torchlight processions, massive street parties and the tradition of “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings gifts like coal or whisky for good fortune. Forget fireworks — Scots prefer symbolism, stamina and a strong constitution, according to VisitScotland. I’ll have to take their word for the marathon celebrations, though, because the Yilmaz family firmly believes New Year’s Eve is best spent inside the house. New Year’s Day, however, is a completely different story.

As we step into the final days of 2025, taking a quiet moment to reflect before welcoming 2026 may be exactly what our hearts need. Pause, breathe deeply or hold on to a few kind affirmations — small acts that remind us that new beginnings are always within reach. No matter how we choose to celebrate, the turning of the calendar gently reassures us that hope can be renewed, joy is meant to be shared and peace deserves a place in our lives and in the world. Here’s to brighter days ahead, shared laughter and a future filled with promise. See you next year!