The traditional Scottish New Year's Eve custom of visiting a home after midnight is called first-footing. The first person to cross a household’s threshold after midnight is known as the first foot.
In traditional belief, the identity and gifts of that visitor could influence the household’s luck for the coming year. A tall, dark-haired man was historically considered a particularly fortunate first foot in some Scottish traditions.
Common gifts included whisky, shortbread, coal, salt, or other items associated with warmth, food, and prosperity. Customs vary by region and family, so no single gift list applies everywhere.
First-footing is linked to Hogmanay but is not the same thing as the entire Scottish New Year festival. It is a household custom performed after the midnight transition, often among friends, relatives, or neighbors.