When I was growing up, New Year's Eve night was spent, along with a couple of cousins, at my grandma and Aunty M's little house, waiting for my mum and dad and other relatives to return from their celebrations in the cocktail lounge at a hotel in town. One of my uncles, a railway porter and the only dark haired family member, was always first footer, after which the Christmas cake would be cut, served always with white Stilton cheese and accompanied by glasses of whisky for the men and sherry for the ladies. Then everyone trooped out to let in the new year at my aunts' houses in the same terraced street as grandma's, often by way of a conga, which we kids just loved.
I remember one New Year's Eve when I was about six, everyone congregated on the nearby marketplace, all facing the parish church. As the clock struck midnight, a figure dressed in a white robe appeared at the top of the church, between the two steeples, waving to the crowd. I learned many years later he was a returning missionary. On the night itself I was convinced we'd seen God!
Tonight will be just the three of us and a bottle of the fizzy stuff. (We had this particularly yummy one last night as the Girlie is returning home to Manchester today and no, we haven't won the lottery!)
As 2011 trickles away, I'd like to raise my virtual glass and wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. See you in 2012.
And a very Happy New Year to you too. It's been quite a year, hasn't it! I for one am not altogether sorry to see it trickle away....
Posted by: rachel | December 31, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Happy New Year!
Saving the Christmas Cake until new year sounds like a good plan - ours has almost gone already!
Posted by: Moira | December 31, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Happy New Year to you all!!!!!
Posted by: Val | December 31, 2011 at 06:24 PM
And warm wishes for you and yours from here for a happy, healthy 2012.
Posted by: colleen | January 01, 2012 at 12:32 AM
I like the sound of those childhood celebrations! Happy New Year, and may 2012 bring peace, health and prosperity to you and all who you hold dear x
Posted by: Annie | January 01, 2012 at 09:07 PM
My Dad used to do the first footing, and we had relatives on the same road as well. I think this was the first New Year's Eve I was on my own!
Posted by: Rattling On | January 02, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Anne Donald | January 02, 2012 at 07:17 PM
Happy new year! May 2012 be happy and healthy. xx
Posted by: Cat | January 02, 2012 at 11:14 PM
Happy New year to you!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 03, 2012 at 05:09 AM
My black haired uncle would be my Grandparent's first footer .... till the Hogmanay he wandered out at ten to twelve with his whisky glass .... possibly not the first of the evening .... and wasn't seen again for three days . My father took over after that ...
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | January 03, 2012 at 08:44 AM
all the best for 2012 x
Posted by: lazylol | January 07, 2012 at 07:47 PM