Celebrate New Year's Eve like a German

Same procedure as every year?
No German New Year's Eve is complete without having watched the cult movie Dinner for One, a black and white 20-minute comedy sketch. The story line is about a widow and a few guests celebrating her 90th birthday with the help of her dignified butler who by the end of the sketch becomes less-dignified. This slap stick comedy is watched by Germans and other Europeans at least once every New Year's and more often if they can catch it on the other TV stations.

Many Germans have memorized the movements of James the butler as well as his lines including the most famous phrase of the move "Same procedure as every year, James".

Break out the Bubbly
At midnight and for many well before midnight glasses are brought together without clinking (a taboo in Germany), guests gaze lightly into one another's without staring, and say "Prost Neues Jahr" (Happy New Year). Then the toasts begin and the sekt, a German sparkling wine is consumed and the evening's festivities continue.

Feuerzangenbowle?
Feuerzangenbowle or Fire-tongues-punch is another classic German New Year's Eve drink that packs a punch. This drink calls for a couple of bottles of wine and 2 cups of 54% rum. The liquid and some spices are poured over a flaming sugar cone. As your guests watch the flame the sugar caramelizes and drips into a punch bowl or pot.
Caution: This drink contains a large portion of alcohol and should be consumed responsibly.

Food
The classic 70's communal dish is back but its charm and desire never left Switzerland, France or Germany. Fondue is typically served on New Year's in Germany.

In addition, raclette is a New Year's Eve favorite. A raclette is an electric table-top grill with small pans. You place cheese, potatoes, veggies, and whatever you like on your small metal plate and place it under the broiler. The result is a creative cheesy delicious snack.

Bleigiessen
Bleigiessen or lead pouring is a old fun game where one reads the melted lead sort of like reading tea leaves. A lead figurine is placed on a spoon over a hot flame, once the lead melts it is poured into a bowl of water. The figure or pattern that evolves from the melted lead predicts the coming year. For example, if your melted lead piece forms an owl, that means change will come soon.

Fireworks
The New Year's Eve fireworks in Germany is equal important to Germans as the US 4th of July fireworks. . In Germany, city authorities hold their own firework displays as well as the local citizens. The professional shows are amazing and some professional shows cost from 250 - 1450 Euro per minute. Germans love fireworks and spend around 40 million Euro on them every year.

However, you decide to celebrate New Year's Eve hope you have a safe and happy evening and enjoy the same procedure as every year.