New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate and look back on the year before as you head into a new one. This New Year’s Eve is very special because as we embark into 2020, we are not only celebrating a new year but a new decade! You might have a New Year’s Party or write resolutions, but there are some traditions your grandparents probably did that have fallen by the wayside.
Learn more about some New Year’s Eve traditions and see which new ones you can incorporate into your festivities this year. Speaking of… what are your New Year’s Resolutions? Remember, only make ones you can actually complete!
1. Decorate a New Year’s Tree
If you are one to take down your Christmas tree right after Christmas, but miss it on New Year’s Eve, try decorating a New Year’s Tree. This tradition is said to go back to the 1600s. If you don’t want to purchase a whole new tree, try a mini one or simply change up the decorations on your Christmas tree. Don’t forget to add the tinsel, which is a long-standing New Year’s tradition.
RELATED: See A Full List Of Your Favorite Restaurants Open On New Year’s Day
2. Incorporate your heritage into the party
Many past celebrations including traditions from their heritage. For example in Scotland, New Year’s Eve is actually a bigger deal than Christmas! The party goes on for days. If you’re Scottish, try using some of their traditions in your party planning. If you’re not, look up the New Year’s Eve traditions from your heritage. You might just find some fun new traditions!
3. Serve traditional New Year’s food and drinks
Many different cultures have certain traditions when it comes to food on New Year’s as well. For example, in Spain, it is custom to eat 12 white grapes at midnight. Ring-shaped foods also represent things coming full circle as the years change. You could also serve a traditional drink like mulled wine instead of just champagne.
4. Give gifts
In the past, gift-giving often extended into New Year’s Eve. However, they were generally very small gifts. If you are headed to a party, perhaps bring a small gift for the host or hostess. Chocolates are always a great gift!
5. Thank you notes
In addition, if you go to a party, it would be a nice gesture to write a thank you note. You could also write thank you notes to those who impacted you this year. They will love a handwritten note!