Traditionally, the Irish see New Year’s Eve as the occasion to prepare for the New Year by cleaning house and stocking up on essentials. December 31, is usually a work day but many Irish take a vacation day to travel, visit the beaches, etc. In fact, a cold swim in the Irish Sea or Atlantic Ocean is not uncommon.
For good luck, at some Irish enter the house through the front door and leave through the back door.
Some families remember those who passed during the year by setting a place for them at the dinner table then leaving the door unlocked.
Unmarried people often place mistletoe under their pillow to help them dream of their future wives or husbands.
A couple of Irish toasts are:
“May we be alive at this time next year” and “In the new year, may hour right hand always be stretched out in friendship but never in want”
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