New Year’s Celebrations from Around the World (and How to Include Your Kids!)
New Year’s Eve is one of the most magical times of the year. It’s a moment for fresh starts, joyful gatherings, and hopeful wishes for the future. Across the globe, cultures celebrate in wildly different ways, from fireworks and feasts to quirky traditions and heartfelt rituals. So, why not let your kids join in the fun while learning about the world?
Let’s explore New Year’s traditions from around the globe and how you can bring them into your home—kid-friendly style!
1. Japan: Ringing in the New Year
In Japan, the New Year is all about cleansing and renewal. Bells are rung 108 times in Buddhist temples to purify the soul from past year’s sins and bring in good luck.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Use a small bell or even a pot and spoon to mimic the ringing.
- After each “bong,” take turns sharing one thing you’re grateful for or something you hope for in the new year. It’s a beautiful way to teach mindfulness.
2. Spain: Eating Grapes for Luck
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock, symbolizing good luck for every month of the coming year.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Prepare a small bowl of grapes for each family member.
- For younger kids, you can turn it into a game: eat one grape for every wish they make for the new year.
- Not into grapes? Swap them out for another bite-sized fruit or treat.
3. Brazil: Jumping Waves
Brazilians head to the beach to jump over seven waves, each representing a wish for the new year.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Fill a kiddie pool or bathtub, and let your kids jump over imaginary “waves” while shouting their wishes.
- You can also lay out blue blankets as pretend waves for an indoor alternative.
4. Denmark: Breaking Plates
In Denmark, smashing dishes on your loved ones’ doorsteps is a fun way to show affection and bring them good fortune.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Don’t worry—no actual plates need to be harmed! Use paper plates, decorate them with drawings, and then “smash” them (tear them up) while laughing and cheering.
- It’s a great way to teach kids about spreading joy and love in silly, memorable ways.
5. Scotland: First-Footing
In Scotland, the first person to cross the threshold of your home in the new year (the “first-footer”) is said to bring good luck. They often bring gifts like coal, shortbread, or whiskey.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Let the kids take turns being the “first-footer” and entering the house with a small “gift” (like cookies or a drawing).
- Use this as an opportunity to talk about hospitality and the importance of welcoming others.
6. Philippines: Circles Everywhere
Filipinos celebrate by surrounding themselves with circles, which represent prosperity and coins. Round fruits are especially popular.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Gather round objects from around the house: oranges, coins, balloons, or even round toys.
- Set up a fun “round scavenger hunt” and see who can find the most circles.
- End the activity by sharing a plate of round fruits as a family.
7. Italy: Red Underwear for Good Luck
In Italy, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring love and prosperity.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Instead of focusing on underwear (because, awkward), incorporate red into your family’s attire. Wear red hats, scarves, or socks.
- Have a “wear red” party theme for dinner or dessert.
8. China: Cleaning and Decorating
In preparation for Lunar New Year, families in China clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and decorate with red lanterns and couplets.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Turn cleanup into a game by seeing who can pick up the most items in 5 minutes.
- Craft your own red lanterns with construction paper and markers.
- Talk about the importance of a fresh start and family togetherness.
9. Colombia: Carrying Suitcases
In Colombia, it’s customary to carry an empty suitcase around the block to ensure a year full of travel and adventure.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Take a family walk around the house or yard with small bags or backpacks. Let the kids pretend they’re embarking on an exciting journey.
- Use this as a time to ask where they’d like to travel in the coming year.
10. United States: Countdown and Fireworks
In the U.S., the New Year’s countdown and fireworks are classic staples of celebration.
How to Celebrate with Kids:
- Create a DIY countdown clock with paper plates or cardboard.
- Use glow sticks, streamers, or poppers to mimic fireworks.
- If midnight is too late for the little ones, do an earlier countdown and toast with sparkling cider.
Bonus Tip: Create a New Year’s Passport
As you celebrate these traditions, make a “New Year’s Passport” for your kids! For each country, add a sticker, stamp, or drawing to their passport. You can download a printable passport template and fill it out together. It’s a fun way to tie everything together and teach geography along the way.
Wrapping Up the Year with Love and Laughter
Bringing the world’s New Year’s traditions into your home is a wonderful way to celebrate diversity, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories with your kids. The best part? You don’t need to leave your house or spend a lot of money to make it meaningful.
So, which tradition will you try first? Let me know—and Happy New Year from our family to yours!