Let’s face it, I use ‘wonderful’ far too much. And ‘fabulous’ is often unattainable. So, to be realistic, I hope the balance of good and bad times weighs in your favour in 2016.
When I was a child, on New Year’s Eve, at the stroke of midnight, my black-haired father walked out of our back door and knocked on our front door, and our mother let him into the house. I remember him carrying a piece of coal (to bring us warmth for the year) but I don’t remember him carrying greenery (to bring new life? what is the significance? and what counts as greenery? would a lettuce do??), money, or bread – actually, I do remember him carrying a slice of bread! I know that other people will have other traditions and memories. Do share them, if you’re so inclined even if it’s your tradition to go to bed at 11pm with earplugs.
Whenever it comes, Happy New Year!
On New Year’s Eve
at the stroke of midnight
open your door
to a dark-haired person
who will be carrying coal,
money, bread and greenery.
Hand over a pan of ashes or dust
and wave goodbye
to the old year.
Josephine Corcoran 
We went to Hogmanay parties when young. One year just after midnight a friend and I walked out into the garden. When trying to get back in, we weren’t allowed until my dad came to the door and gave us a lump of coal and a bottle of whiskey (which we weren’t allowed to drink btw). Happy New Year Josephine x
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Ah, the whiskey! I forgot about that. I seem to remember that was also involved. Happy New Year to you, too, Peter! xx
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First footing entails fuel for the fire – a lump of coal or a good log of wood, liquid , usually whisky and something to eat – can be bread but could be cake or a mince pie etc. These will ensure that the house you take them to will have the essentials for the new year.
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Thanks for the info, Viv and best wishes for 2016!
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Happy New Year Josephine. We enjoyed the pleasant experience of being too far away from any fireworks.
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Thanks, Seán, and best wishes to you for 2016!
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Saw a lovely Peanuts cartoon on Twitter this morning – Lucy demanding to know whether the New Year she was being wished came with a guarantee!
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Aw, that’s typical of Lucy! Best wishes to you for 2016, Chris.
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Happy New Year to you, too, Josephine 😀
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Thanks, Polly!
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