In most countries around the world, New Year is considered a family celebration. For example, Bulgarians believe that the New Year must be welcomed with family. Before midnight, the youngest member of the family sings and plays music near the Christmas tree to bring joy to their family. After their performance, grandparents open their New Year’s gifts. At the stroke of midnight, Bulgarians kiss a loved one to welcome the New Year—a gesture regarded as the most precious gift to family. Then, the lady of the house slices the holiday cake, which traditionally contains a coin or rose petal. Finding the coin means wealth in the coming year, while a rose petal signifies that single people will find love in the New Year.
Germans also consider New Year a family holiday. All family members must gather around the holiday table. Gift exchanges take place among family members in a tradition called "Bescherung." Germans and Australians often gift porcelain or glass items during New Year, symbolizing purity and clarity in the coming year. Italians, on the other hand, have a tradition of throwing out old items through the window to welcome the New Year with a clean slate, including new furniture and household items. While children in many countries await gifts from Santa Claus, Italian children expect presents from a snow fairy named "La Befana."
Indians adorn themselves with flowers, especially red and white roses, on New Year’s Day. Children open their gifts near the Christmas tree with their eyes closed, while Japanese people send New Year cards in advance. Interestingly, these cards must feature an animal closely connected to the family's life. Japanese also exchange toys and souvenirs. The most exquisite New Year decoration in Japan is the "Kadomatsu," made of pine wood and decorated with bamboo, straw, split branches, and citrus, placed near doorways.
The French, like other nations, give New Year’s gifts, but with a unique twist—only a woman’s husband is allowed to give her perfume. It is considered inappropriate for anyone else to do so. In Scotland, friends give each other cake and wine to symbolize abundance in the New Year. Interestingly, in Scotland, Estonia, and Australia, spotting a chimney sweep on New Year’s Day is believed to bring good luck, as coal symbolizes warmth. Swedes gift candles as a symbol of light and strong friendships.
For Spaniards, New Year is a public celebration. Couples and loved ones rush to the town square where a Christmas tree is set up. There, just before midnight, they eat grapes—a tradition believed to bring good fortune. Families celebrating at home decorate their tables with grapes as well. In Greenland, the most unique New Year’s gift is given by the Eskimos: unadorned ice sculptures shaped like polar bears. As Greenland is a land of eternal ice, the non-melting polar bear becomes a timeless gift among Eskimos.
