Christmas & Hogmanay

Scottish New Year's Eve, and historically the larger celebration of the two, because Christmas was suppressed in Scotland for roughly four centuries after the Reformation and New Year absorbed the festivities instead. It runs into the first and second of January, both public holidays in Scotland.

The custom that the first person to cross a threshold after midnight sets the household's luck for the year. Traditionally a dark haired man, carrying symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt or whisky. Arriving in a kilt is entirely usual.

More than at Christmas, certainly, and at any organised Hogmanay event or ceilidh a kilt will be common rather than conspicuous. At a house party it depends entirely on the household. Nobody will mind either way.

Your own family sett, since this is a night where heritage is the point rather than the season's colours. Unlike Christmas, there is no expectation of red and green. A district or universal sett works equally well if no family tartan applies.

A social dance with a caller who walks everyone through each dance before it starts, so no prior knowledge is needed. Wear shoes with some grip, since ceilidh floors get slippery fast. Outfits are built from kilts and tartan sashes.

In dress terms usually yes, particularly at organised events and ceilidhs where kilts are common rather than conspicuous. At a house party it depends entirely on the household. Wear it again three weeks later at Burns Night.