Scotland is a magical place during the Festive season…….from cosy winter traditions handed down through generations to lively Hogmanay celebrations filled with music, good company, and a wee dram, there’s something truly unique about a Scottish Christmas and New Year.
I’m delighted to have been invited by Amy, founder of WeeBox, to join with her and Hailey from Sassenach Historian Tours for a special Instagram Live on Saturday 13 December at 8pm GMT. This time has been chosen to suit as many friends, followers and WeeBox Clan from all corners of the globe! Pop it in your diary and join us in your own time zone…
Instagram Live with Wee Box…….. @insideweebox
During the live session, we’ll be highlighting some magical Scottish favourites. I’ll be sharing some much-loved Scottish Christmas and Hogmanay traditions that you might want to weave into your own celebrations this year. Here’s a wee preview…
🎄 Scottish Christmas Traditions
Silver Coins in the Christmas Pud
For generations, Scots have tucked small silver coins ~ traditionally threepences or sixpences ~ inside the Christmas pudding. Finding a coin in your slice was a sign of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
This custom inspired one of my own most popular festive pieces:
The Christmas Pud Sixpence Keepsake, which includes a traditional clootie dumpling recipe written in my own rhyming Scots verse. This Lucky Sixpence was actually featured in a WeeBox Christmas edition a few years ago and is still a firm favourite as a stocking filler.
Clootie Dumpling
A classic Scottish alternative to Christmas pudding. Wrapped in cloth (“the cloot”) and boiled slowly, it fills the home with spicy, festive aromas. It’s still a family tradition in many Scottish homes today.
🎉 Hogmanay – Scotland’s Famous New Year
No-one celebrates New Year quite like Scotland! Hogmanay is filled with symbolism, centuries-old customs, and a healthy dose of revelry!
Ceilidhs & All-Night Parties
From village halls to city squares, Scots love to dance the night away. Traditional ceilidh dancing is hugely popular at Hogmanay, and of course, kilts are proudly worn.
Auld Lang Syne
Just after midnight, everyone joins hands to sing Robert Burns’ world-famous song ~ a moment that brings Scots across the world together.
First Footing
One of Scotland’s best-known New Year traditions. After the bells strike, the first person to enter your home (the “first footer”) should ideally be tall and dark-haired for maximum luck!
They traditionally bring symbolic gifts:
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A lump of coal – warmth
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Whisky – good cheer
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A coin – prosperity
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Black bun & shortbread – food & hospitality
A Wee Dram at the Bells
Many Scots toast the New Year with a dram of whisky, often in special glasses reserved just for Hogmanay. Our Jacobite-style dram glasses make the perfect partner for this tradition.
‘Redding’ the House
In the days leading up to Hogmanay, the house is thoroughly cleaned to start the year “fresh”. Historically this included clearing out the fire ashes and preparing the home for good luck.
Loony Dook – A Brave Tradition!
In parts of Scotland, hardy (or hungover!) souls take a dip in freezing water on New Year’s Day (known as the ‘Loony Dook’ in & around Edinburgh), with many participants raising money for charity. Definitely one for the bucket list!
🎁 Join Us Live for Scottish Festive Fun
We’ll be sharing stories, traditions, and festive inspiration live on Instagram, so remember the date ~ Saturday 13 December at 8pm GMT.
Bring a cuppa ~ or a dram ~ and come enjoy a warm Scottish welcome.
…and don’t forget to check out:
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weebox.co.uk ~ for beautifully curated Scottish subscription boxes
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sassenachhistorian.com ~ for your next Scottish adventure.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
Slainte!!
Carol, Scottish Keepsakes 🎄 🏴