The traditional Scottish practice of being the first person to enter a home after midnight is called first-footing.
In this custom, the first-foot is the first person to cross the threshold after midnight on New Year's Day. The visitor traditionally brings symbolic gifts, such as coal for warmth, shortbread or another food for prosperity, and a drink for hospitality. Customs differ by region and family.
Older traditions sometimes considered a tall, dark-haired male visitor especially lucky, while a fair-haired or red-haired first visitor could be viewed less favorably in some areas. These associations are historical folklore, not universal rules, and modern celebrations are generally more inclusive.
First-footing is connected with Scotland’s wider Hogmanay season, but the terms are not interchangeable. Hogmanay refers to the New Year's celebration itself, whereas first-footing describes a particular visiting custom after midnight.