Eating twelve raisins at New Year's Eve.

Each country has a tradition to celebrate the last or the first day of the year.
Even some families have a tradition, too.

Like most couples, we do share a kiss at midnight.
And, come the morning, we bow to each other, promising to respect and cherish more.
It's just like renewing our wedding vows every year.
This has become our tradition ever since we got married 20 years ago.

Here in Portugal, people eat 12 raisins, each representing each month for luck.
So me and my hubby decided to share this special tradition at the stroke of midnight.

Well, mesmerized at the fireworks, we forgot to eat them at the right moment.
Still, we made 12 wishes while savoring them.

By the way, have you heard about 'primeiro banho do ano novo'?
It literally means the first bath of New Year.

To clean and purify spirits, some Portuguese jump in the cold water.
Me? No way.

Even though I love this beautiful country, I am not ready to jump in yet.
Maybe in another year or two, I might.
But not now.

Wondering about other Portuguese traditions?
Here are some from http://pocketcultures.com.

- Money in your pocket to attract richness for the New Year;

- Wear blue slippers/boxers/ panties to attract good fortune and harmony;

- Step down from a chair with your right foot, so the New Year will be a positive one;

- Banging pots and pans, so the bad spirits go away.