The Scottish custom of the first person entering a home after midnight is called first-footing.
A first-footer is the first person to enter a household after midnight on New Year's Day. In traditional practice, the visitor brings gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky, symbolizing warmth, food, flavor, and good cheer for the coming year.
Some older traditions gave importance to the visitor's appearance or gender, but modern practice varies considerably and many families focus simply on friendship and good wishes. The custom is associated with Hogmanay and remains recognizable across Scotland.
First-footing is not the same as the midnight countdown itself. It is a social ritual that begins after midnight, when the first visitor crosses the threshold and helps set the tone for the new year.