New year is a time to reflect on the old year and look forward to the new.  If you’re Scottish, it’s called “Hogmanay”, and it’s also time to participate in age-old and slightly ridiculous rituals.

 As one of the only dark haired ones in my family, I used to be chosen as ‘first footer,’ the first person to cross the house’s threshold in the new year. This meant standing outside, shivering, while others counted down to midnight, exchanged kisses and clinked glasses. Then they would let me in, piece of coal or orange in hand, bringing them  (they hoped) luck for the new year.

 Wherever you are and however you ring it in, I wish you all the best for 2007.

Gesus
Gesus says “Happy New Year”