When I was growing up, after the Happy New Year’s kiss, my mom & our neighbors took a wooden spoon and hit a cooking pot several times outside the front door. Although no one else I know still does it, I’ve carried on the tradition. Now that my mom’s gone, it is special to me as a way to remember her on the holiday. (I must confess that I stick just my arm, the pot & the spoon out the door, give the pot a few quick raps, and then shut the door right away lest any of the neighbors look to see who the crazy woman is ;)

Also, as a licensed Amateur Radio (“Ham Radio”) operator, the years that I had a working 2 meter radio, I’d join the rest of the Hams in my local Club on the 2 meter repeater with a quick “Happy New Year” call.

Do you have any quaint or unusual New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day holiday traditions you’d like to share?