The Scottish custom of bringing the first visitor into a home after midnight is called first-footing.
A “first-foot” is the first person to enter a household after midnight on New Year’s Day. Scottish tradition holds that this visitor can influence the home’s luck for the year ahead. In some versions, a tall, dark-haired man is considered especially fortunate, although practices differ by region and family.
Traditional first-foot gifts include coal for warmth, bread or shortbread for food, salt, and whisky for hospitality. The visitor may also bring symbolic prosperity and good wishes. The custom is closely associated with Hogmanay and continues in both informal family gatherings and organized celebrations.
First-footing is different from simply attending a New Year’s party. Its defining feature is the first entrance into the home after midnight, together with the exchange of good wishes or traditional gifts.