New Year's Eve traditions: gentle, quirky ways people celebrate

People mark New Year's Eve with a wide range of customs. Examples include Spain's 12 grapes at midnight and family balloon drops and water fights shared on social media.

New Year's Eve is marked in many different ways around the world. Some customs are long-standing national traditions, while others are recent family or social media creations. Several lighthearted and symbolic practices were shared online this season. The result is a mix of quiet rituals and playful activities used to welcome the new year. Examples of traditions: - Spain: eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight as a long-standing custom. - DIY balloon drop: a simple home celebration idea shared on social platforms and popular with families. - Family water fights: described by some households as a festive way to mark the turning of the year. - Witchy or symbolic items: wearing coloured underwear or making wishes with small candles is seen as a personal ritual in some posts. - Walnut-shell candles and champagne-soaked grapes: personal variations on wish-making and celebratory food. Summary: These selections show how people keep older customs alive while inventing new, gentle ways to celebrate. Many of the ideas appear to be family-focused and shared informally online. Undetermined at this time.