Do you have any New Year Traditions that are said to encourage a good year ahead?

I was born in the North of England, and not that I ever lived there, but was told by my parents that on New Years Eve, when the clock struck midnight, someone had to walk around the block with a piece of coal and greet people in the street. I can’t remember all the details.

Since we did do it once, but in a small desert town in South Africa. My son asked me the other day how the tradition actually worked. As he recalled part of it, and remembered that particular year was quite good. We were in fits of giggles because I am sure I threw a piece of coal at his sleeping grandpa. Maybe not! My father was always too topped up to keep awake for New Year.

If any one knows the whole tradition could you please remind us? But that aside, what are your traditions, whether your own personal ones or known ones in your culture? Do you carry them out?