We have just walked beneath the reddening sky of this years last sunset. It was deep red, as though the sky was bleeding as the sun sank westwards. As we prepare to celebrate the incoming New Year Scottish style, it’s worth pausing to notice the ending which precedes the new beginning. We are so eagerly looking forwards towards new horizons that sometimes we forget to pause in the moment. As the sun sets for the last time this year I feel peace settle into me. This past year of sorrow and strife, mixed with impossible happiness, is drawing to an end. At this moment all is well.

In the kitchen a huge pot of Thai curry is cooking, filling the house with delicious smells. The curry is for the meal we will share this evening with a gathering of family, friends and neighbours. We will eat and drink together, reaffirming life, despite its trials, and then when the bells sound at midnight we will toast in the New Year. Some will toast with whisky, others with sparkling cava. We will all join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne, which means ‘old times long past‘, and we will hug and kiss everyone present.

Then as a group we will set off to first foot the house of everyone at the party. To ensure the best possible luck for the year, the first foot across the threshold should be a tall dark handsome man, and he should be carrying some whisky, some coal and some food (we tend to use chocolate, but traditionally it would have been blackbun). We’ll share a drink and some food around the fire in each home, filling it with life and laughter for the coming year…and then finally sink into our own soft beds….often well into the wee small hours of the night.

It’s a lovely night filled with warmth, friendship, drink and song…..along with reminiscing for those whose faces are no longer present. Wishing you all a Happy New Year from Scotland. See you on the other side.

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll take a cup o kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint-stowp,

and surely I’ll buy mine,

And we’ll take a cup o kindness yet,

for auld land syne.

For auld land syne, my dear

for auld land syne

we’ll take a cup o kindness yet

for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the braes,

and pulled the daisies fine,

but we have wandered many a weary foot

since auld land syne.

For auld land syne, my dear

for auld land syne

we’ll take a cup of kindness yet

for auld land syne.

We two have paddled in the burn,

from morning sun till down

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld land syne.

For auld land syne, my dear

for auld land syne

we’ll take a cup of kindness yet

for auld land syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty friend

and give us a hand o thine.

and we’ll take a right good-will draught

for auld land syne.

For auld land syne, my dear

for auld lang syne

we’ll take a cup o kindness yet

for auld land syne

Happy 2013!!