There are images of a richly set table with raclette, champagne glasses and glowing fireworks that come to my mind when I think about New Year’s Eve. Thinking further back, my childhood memories are mainly of such scenes: my father, excited as a child himself, positioning fireworks rockets in empty bottles, and us kids scaring each other with spinning-spraying “bees” and crackers.

From whip cracking to fireworks

But, how did the New Year’s fireworks tradition originally start?

When people tried to drive away evil spirits by making noise, the custom was to set off fireworks at the end of the year. They used loud whistling, whip cracking and drum beating to do this. It is thought that the first fireworks display in Europe happened in Italy in about 1379. Then in 1506 in Germany. This gave rise to the tradition of especially celebrating loudly at births, weddings, and the end of the year.

Beloved customs can change

The fireworks only last a short time, but the memories are still there. Exactly these memories are joyful and belong to our dear traditions and customs. But the fireworks ban, which was imposed to curb the Corona pandemic, showed it also works without. Or at least with significantly less. And that’s quite positive considering the usual amount of particulate matter, injuries and trash that occur on New Year’s Eve.

We have collected a few beautiful and alternative ideas for sustainable New Year’s Eve traditions. Let yourself be inspired and maybe over the years a few  New Year’s traditions will emerge that our children will remember with pleasure 😉

4 ideas for sustainable New Year’s Eve traditions

1. Play games

Board games are fun and bring people of all ages together. There are great lasting memories created in the process. In a colorful New Year’s Eve company, you can often get the game-muffle to come out from behind the stove for a round of UNO.

2. Sparklers and candles

For a sparkling effect on a smaller scale, you could use sparklers. Children love them and they are far easier to handle than fireworks. They also have a less damaging impact on the environment. Keep your distance when lighting and holding sparklers because a chemical reaction can reach up to 1000 degrees Celsius. You probably already burned down a candle or two during the Advent season, but the cozy atmosphere that candlelight creates never gets old. 😉

3. Torches or lanterns

A torch or lantern walk is a great alternative to setting off fireworks. It creates a devotional atmosphere almost similar to a church. At the end of the night walk, everyone can use their torches to light a bonfire. This lets people stay and hang out longer, drinking punch, mulled wine, and eating snacks.

4. Wishing each other good things

We already have a firm New Year’s Eve tradition of having a storytellers session where everyone reports a highlight and lowlight of the past year and gives a small preview of what they expect in the new year. Depending on the size of the group and the time frame, it might be a good idea to say goodbye and wish each other luck. For example, you could write all the names on a piece of paper and then draw each person’s name. Someone on the paper gets a wish. All participants are free to take turns or deliver them at the same time.

Fireworks are not the only alternative to a New Year’s Eve celebration. There are beautiful and simple traditions that can be used instead. Which of our ideas appeal to you in particular? Or have you already developed new customs for yourself and your family? Please don’t hesitate to tell us about them.