We all have special ways to bring in the New Year, but here are 5 ways to bring good luck in the coming months.

Growing up in home that held tight to our Scottish traditions, got me thinking about other cultures and their traditions that will bring them luck through the next year. Infoplease.com listed a number of great traditions...

Scotland...

"First-footing" (a tradition that is near and dear to my heart).

"Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in."

Spain...

Eat 12 grapes at Midnight.

"The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year."

The Netherlands...

Burn Christmas Trees.

"The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new."

Greece...

Eat a piece of St. Basil's Cake.

"In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year."

United States...

Watch the ball drop in Times Square (a classic).

"Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter."

Other Widely Observed Traditions...

Noise makers and fireworks are popular on New Years Eve due to ancient times. Long ago it was widely thought that noise and fire would scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Early Christians believed that the first day of the year was for reflection. Many spent the day thinking about past mistakes and how to improve themselves.

The Babylonians where the first to make New Years resolutions.

An American Southern Dish served on New Years IS 'Hoppin John". The dish is black eyed peas and ham hocks. In fact there is an old saying...