What began as a day of remembrance for a disobedient priest has bloomed into a yearly tradition stretching to the across the globe.
New Year’s Eve celebrations are among the oldest and most universally observed. They generally include ceremonies which are expressive of death, invigoration and celebration over the renewal of life. In some countries, parties are thrown on New Year's Eve which last until the early hours of New Year's Day.
It is interesting to see the different ways that the similar tradition of gift-giving at Christmastime has developed in different countries. So as the celebration is nearly upon us, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad and Buon Natale.
Want to spread holiday cheer around the world? Here's our list of Merry Christmas translations in many languages.