New Years Traditions elsewhere

As I sit and write this post I think of the traditions we enjoy, and suffer each year. The sounds of fireworks popping in the background, the news of the standard police roadblocks, and the noise makers when the clock strikes 12 midnight. The countdown with Dick Clark is also fun, but since the man is older then the country yet never ages, my personal belief that he is a sword wielding immortal gains strength every year.

In other countries they have their own way of "welcoming the new year" and I really want to share this one with you.


youtube link

In Germany and Scandinavia, TV stations broadcast Dinner For One, a British comedy sketch about a woman celebrating her 90th birthday. The sketch has nothing to do with the New Year holiday, but has become such a tradition that it landed in The Guiness Book of World Records as the most repeated TV show ever! In the routine, Miss Sophie has outlived her friends, so her butler plays the part of each at the birthday dinner, which means he must drink multiple toasts. The most popular 18 minute version with a German introduction can be found at Google Video. YouTube has a 10 minute version of the same sketch, seen here.

This tradition, and more can be found at Mentalfloss for your reading enjoyment.

Welcome to 2008, may it be better for all.