New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration! Whether it be an excuse to get dressed up and throw a party, set resolutions that just might last until February, watch fireworks, etc., there are so many ways that one can enjoy ringing in the New Year. Not all countries celebrate New Year’s the same, which makes many of the traditions found across the globe so unique.

If you are living in Denmark and for whatever reason feel like smashing something, wait until New Year’s Eve! In this country, a popular tradition is to smash plates and glasses against your friend’s house or front door. While this tradition can be quite a mess to clean up the next day, the amount of broken pieces one has scattered around their door is a sign of popularity, which means that the bigger messes should be taken as a compliment.

If you ever find yourself celebrating in Estonia, you better be hungry! In this country, a popular tradition is to eat 7, 9, or 12 meals on New Year’s Eve. This tradition stems from the Estonian legend that eating 7 meals will give someone the strength of 7 people, 9 meals will give one the strength of 9 people, and if you are lucky enough to be able to stomach 12 meals, you will be entering the New Year as strong as 12 people. The legend also claims that leaving behind a little bit of food from each meal will please the ancestral spirits.

Russia is also home to unique New Year’s traditions that are said to bring good luck into the New Year. One of which includes writing down wishes on a piece of paper, burning the piece of paper, and mixing the ashes into a glass of champagne. Cheers!

No matter how you choose to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, the holiday is truly one of traditions, and all around good times. Farewell 2021!