New Year Traditions

Happy New Year! There are many ways to welcome 2026. Typically, people enjoy parties, preparing special meals, making resolutions, and performing certain rituals. Following are some traditions which may give you ideas for creating or adding to your own. Regardless of how you enjoy welcoming 2026, stay safe and stay healthy.

Stream a cozy movie

There’s nothing like cozying up on the couch with a feel-good movie (holiday flicks are still allowed!) on New Year’s Day. Even better if you’re with loved ones or a pet.

Eat 12 Grapes

This tradition originated in Spain, but has spread worldwide. Each grape represents the 12  strikes of the clock at midnight, as well as the 12 months ahead. Spain calls it ‘Las doce uvas de la suerte’ or ‘The twelve grapes of luck.” This tradition is  believed to herald a year of prosperity.

Smash A Pomegranate

This is a Greek tradition: Smash a pomegranate on your front door on New Year’s Day. Called Kalo Podariko, the superstition is supposed to bring on good luck in the months ahead. 

Carry An Empty Suitcase

This tradition originated in Colombia, where locals walk around their neighborhood carrying an empty suitcase. The ritual, embraced especially by those desiring to travel more, signifies a year filled with adventures.

Leap Into The New Year

To jump into the new year, people in Denmark stand on a chair and proverbially “leap” into January at midnight by jumping off the chair onto the floor. Be careful with this one!

Open Doors And Windows

Open up the windows and doors around your home. The idea is to let go of the previous year and welcome in the fresh energy and vitality of the new one.

Clean Your Home

Who said you have to wait until spring-cleaning to get your home spick and span? Do a deep clean of your home on New Year’s Day to “sweep away” bad luck and allow good luck to pour into your abode.

Write A Letter

You could also film a short video clip for yourself or schedule an email to yourself if you prefer the high-tech version of this age-old ritual. In the letter, take the time to reminisce on the year, the lessons learned, and what you hope for in the year to come.

Visit A House Of Worship

A ritual often associated with Christian faiths includes attending a spiritual center such as a church or temple as a deeply significant, and thoroughly joy-filled tradition. “It’s an opportunity to thank God for the year that has been, and to step into the new year with a spirit of expectancy for continued blessings.

Create Your Own New Year Tradition

Perhaps you love another tradition when welcoming the next chapter. One that is unique to you or your inner circle.  “Whether it be a family gathering around the fireplace and sharing everyone’s ‘top 5’  highlights, to those who choose to fly solo’ and enjoy a night of solitude and silence in prayerful meditation, there are an endless array of traditions to consider.

Food For Good Luck in the New Year

There isn’t a traditional meal for New Year’s Day, yet there are foods thought to bring good luck and a happy new year. For example, bottles of champagne pop the world over on New Year’s Eve.

Good luck foods include pretzels, black-eyed peas, pickled herring, lentils, soba noodles, tamales, king cake, and a dish called hoppin’ john. Similarly, an Italian New Year’s Eve feasts can mean multiple courses served over several hours. For instance, one dish said to bring especially good luck is lentils. Shaped like a coin, lentils are symbol of prosperity.

Throwing Open Doors and Windows

Open up the windows and doors around your home to let go of the previous year and welcome in the fresh energy and vitality of a Happy New Year.

Cleaning On New Year’s Day

Why wait until spring? In the same fashion as open widows and doors, a deep clean of the home on New Year’s Day is thought by many to “sweep away” bad luck. This allows good luck to pour into their lives.

All of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: History Today; Today

Image Source: Visit Anchorage Alaska