Celebrating New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in UK

In England, the end of December marks the celebration of the old year’s departure and the welcoming of the new year. This tradition culminates on December 31, known as New Year's Eve. While not a public holiday, New Year's Eve is widely celebrated. Most people continue working as usual during the day, but in the evening, the atmosphere shifts as many gather for parties in their homes, or head to pubs, clubs, or outdoor events, including fireworks displays, to ring in the new year.

A highlight of the celebration occurs just before midnight, when people gather to hold hands and sing the traditional song "Auld Lang Syne." As the clock strikes midnight, the crowd counts down, and the moment is marked with hugs, kisses, and warm wishes for a Happy New Year. Fireworks often light up the sky, and many people raise a glass of champagne, a fizzy alcoholic drink, to toast to the upcoming year. Some families even allow their children to stay up late to join in on the festivities.

The following day, January 1, is New Year’s Day, a public holiday known as a bank holiday in the UK. This means most businesses and shops close for the day, and public transportation is limited. It’s a day for relaxation, and most people spend it at home with family, enjoying a quiet celebration after the festivities of the night before.

In Scotland and other parts of the UK, there’s a popular superstition that the first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day will bring good luck for the year ahead. This person is known as the "first footer." Dark-haired individuals are considered the luckiest first footers, and it’s customary for them to carry a lump of coal when they enter the home, symbolizing warmth and prosperity for the year ahead.

As the new year begins, many people make New Year’s resolutions, promises to themselves to make positive changes in their lives. These resolutions may include goals like quitting smoking or losing weight. While the intent is strong, not everyone succeeds in keeping their resolutions, but the tradition persists as a way to start the year with fresh hopes and ambitions.