The Scottish New Year custom of visiting friends’ homes after midnight with symbolic gifts is called first-footing.
A first-footer is traditionally the first person to enter a household after midnight on New Year’s Eve. In Scottish custom, the visitor may bring gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky, representing warmth, food, flavor, and good fortune for the coming year.
Some traditions considered the identity or appearance of the first visitor significant, although practices vary by region and family. The custom is part of Hogmanay, Scotland’s broader New Year celebration.
First-footing is not simply any New Year visit. Its defining feature is being the first person to cross the threshold after midnight, together with the symbolic exchange of hospitality and gifts.