The Happy New Year Thread

Liked the other “Happy” threads quite a lot, so here’s a ‘Happy New Year’ thread.

I am aware that some of us may celebrate the new year on different days. Curious to hear about it. :slight_smile:

For me, it’s still some time until midnight, so the greeting is still “Guter Rutsch” (“good slide”/“happy slide”, meaning into the new year :wink: ).

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Happy New Year everyone :tada:

How will everyone be celebrating? :partying_face:

Great big family gathering at my in-laws for me, with just way too much food.
Listening to the King’s New Year’s Speech (his very first after our old Queen abdicated in January), watching “90s års fødselsdag” (Dinner for One) just before midnight, and jumping down from a chair at the exact moment we enter the new year :partying_face:

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:uk: :us: :australia: Happy New Year!
:sweden: Gott nytt år!
:finland: Hyvää uutta vuotta!

I surprised my wife yesterday by buying her a small bottle of sparkling wine and preparing a hot bath for her—to cleanse the old year out of her and prepare for the new one.

Tonight, we will have a four-course dinner in one of our favourite restaurants, and then we’ll watch the fireworks together and share a bottle of sparkling wine. Perhaps we’ll watch the superb classic that is Dinner for One as well.

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I’ve seen Dinner for One, my father-in-law met some Germans who told him they watch it at New Years.

But how and why did they start? I’m so confused about this!

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I don’t know, but it’s broadcast by our public broadcaster on New Year’s Eve every single year. I’ve seen it almost every year for as long as I can remember, and it’s just as funny every time I rewatch it.

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Happy New Year folks! :tada:

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Dinner for One is shown at 23.40 every single New Year’s Eve here in Denmark as well :grin:
It’s brilliant!

“I now declare this bazaar open!”

Godt nytår :denmark::partying_face::champagne::clinking_glasses:

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It is shown here as well. I have seen it a lot of times but do not see it every year.

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No idea how it started, but I watch it every single year! It’s still just as funny, actually funnier than it was when I was little since now I understand what’s being said and am no longer scared of the tiger skin :laughing:

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Perplexity AI says (and as I do remember Peter Frankenfeld it seems plausible):

Origins of the 'Dinner for One' Tradition in Germany

Discovery and First Broadcast
The unique tradition of showing “Dinner for One” on New Year’s Eve in Germany began when German entertainer Peter Frankenfeld discovered the sketch in Blackpool, England, in 1962. He invited actors Freddie Frinton and Maye Warden to perform the sketch on his live TV program, which was an immediate hit.
Path to New Year’s Eve Tradition
Initially, the 11-minute black-and-white comedy sketch was used as a filler between longer television programs during the 1960s. It was first recorded in Hamburg on July 8, 1963, in front of a live audience, entirely in English with a short German introduction.
Becoming a National Tradition
In 1972, the sketch found its permanent place in German New Year’s Eve celebrations when NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk) began airing it as a regular New Year’s Eve program. Since then, it has become an integral part of German holiday culture, with up to half the population watching it every year.
Widespread Popularity
The sketch’s popularity extends beyond Germany, becoming a New Year’s Eve tradition in other European countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Norway. Its universal appeal lies in its physical comedy and slapstick humor, which transcends language barriers.
Cultural Impact
The sketch’s famous line, “The same procedure as every year,” has become so ingrained in German culture that it is now used in everyday conversation, newspaper headlines, and even political debates. It has become a cult classic, holding the record for the most-repeated TV show in German television history. Interestingly, while the sketch is virtually unknown in English-speaking countries, it has become a beloved tradition that Germans eagerly anticipate each New Year’s Eve, making it a unique cultural phenomenon.

I am actually one of the few blasphemers who do not find the sketch worth watching every year. :scream: But even I quote the line, “The same procedure as every year.” in everyday conversation. :wink:

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We are celebrating at a neighbour’s house where a friend of my kid lives. We are going to be 8 adults and 6 kids. It is going to be good food, some laughing in the wait for the new year.

Sweden has some traditions for January 1st.

  • it is the biggest day for pizzerias in the whole year. Where the most popular choice is kebab pizza.
  • Public service always airs the New Year’s concert from Vienna
  • We watch the movie Ivanhoe. It has been shown almost every year since 1986 and the actor Sam Neill makes an interview every year saying that he is surprised by the popularity of the movie in Sweden.
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Here’s Scandinavia (and Estonia) being sily with their traditions again :laughing:

Yes, I said it so @deltaandthebannermen doesn’t have to! You’re welcome!

I’ve also used “The same procedure as every year” once or twice :smiley:

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NyWosK

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I’m actually going to be celebrating with friends for the first time ever, we’ll be making Raclette and alcohol-free cocktails :star_struck:

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I knew about Ivanhoe, but what is the story behind this? Why does he do it every year?

Finland doesn’t have any traditional movies they show during New Year’s. Our President holds his New Year’s Speech on January 1st, though.

And my wife and I might order a pizza tomorrow, just to celebrate Pzza Day with the Swedes (minus the pizza salad, which is not a thing in Finland).

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Oh you got to have salad on a kebab pizza :denmark:

Fresh lettuce, tomato and cucumber, a butt load of kebab and a healthy serving of crème fraiche dressing on top :yum:

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We don’t have cucumber on it. In some regions in Sweden, they put chips (French Fries) on it but I think that it is a bit much.

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Happy new year! I probably won’t stay up tonight because I have a flight in the morning but I will be engaging in my annual rewatch of the TV Movie tomorrow - it’s a tradition for me!

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Just got me inspired—will do so as well. :slight_smile:

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Maybe I should to that too!

Now @sircarolyn is brainwashing us even more, soon all of us will watch the movie on new Year’s Day!

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