First-footing is the New Year's Eve tradition of being the first person to enter a home after midnight.
The custom is particularly associated with Scotland and northern England. The first visitor, called the first-foot, traditionally brings symbolic gifts intended to ensure prosperity and warmth in the coming year. Common examples include coal for heat, bread or shortbread for food, salt, and whisky.
In some Scottish versions, a tall, dark-haired male visitor was considered especially lucky. This detail is often connected with historical memories of Viking raids, although customs vary by location and family. The ritual may include greetings, a drink, and a short visit rather than a formal ceremony.
First-footing is linked to Hogmanay but is not the same thing as Hogmanay itself. Hogmanay names the broader Scottish New Year celebration, while first-footing identifies one particular post-midnight visiting custom.