Happy New Year

Quite a miserable day here, and I’d probably overdone things in the last week, so it’s been a stay-at-home day. I didn’t want to miss New Year’s Eve blipping though, so it’s the end of the Christmas arrangements for a still life.

Back in the day on New Year’s Eve, my Dad would go outside before the clock struck midnight, then come back in carrying a piece of coal and a shiny new coin, usually a two shilling piece or a half crown (I did say back in the day!) which was supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. First footing, the first person to set foot over your threshold in the new year set the tone for the year, so better to have it in your control. It had to be a man, dark haired. It never seemed to do Mum and Dad much good, they were never ‘well off’.

My husband's family, who lived a mile and a half away, didn’t have the same custom, but all the men on our street did this. Of course, there was a drink involved, having come back indoors from a cold wait outside.

I don’t remember any special foods for New Year, unlike Chole’s delights. Do you have any special dishes at this time of year?

Wishing you all a very happy prosperous and above all healthy 2014.
xxx