This year, New Year's Eve will be different for most of us, regardless of the country where we live. With lockdown and health restrictions, including travel bans and limits on social gatherings, many will welcome the New Year alone at home or in small groups. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate New Year's Eve away from their loved ones.
Mollie in Spain
“This year we have a curfew until 1.30 a.m. in southern Spain, so I will be spending New Year's Eve at home. Like most people, I can't wait for this year to end so that we can finally move on. Here, in Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes on each stroke of midnight, each of them representing one month. It brings good luck ”.
Frank in Germany
“Here in Germany, only 5 people from two different households are allowed to get together. Bars and restaurants are closed, and we have a curfew. So there won't be anyone in public spaces. There won't be any fireworks either. So what will I do? Probably sleep!”.
Nico in Colombia
"I'm going to spend New Year's Eve at home with my girlfriend. We won't be visiting anyone to avoid risks. It looks like the holiday season is going to lead to a new surge in January. Like everyone else, I'm going to pray for 2021 to be a better year and that the pandemic comes to an end ”.
Matt in Colombia
“I've just returned from a two week stay in Dallas with my children and their families. But for New Year's Eve, we will only be 5, my wife and I, our two daughters and my mother-in-law. Most Colombians are scared of getting infected during the holidays. "
Simon in Austria
“This year, I'll be at home with the ladies. As the pubs and restaurants are closed, it's going to be quiet. We will avoid visiting our family to avoid taking risks. So we'll just be welcoming the New Year with some champagne”.
Alain in Alicante, Spain
"We're staying here. I'll probably have dinner at the restaurant with some friends, unless the restaurants close down once again, so we'll have no other choice than staying at home".
Dan in Thailand
“We've rented a sailboat with skipper and crew. We will be spending New Year's Eve in the Andaman Sea, near a desert island that I know, where we can dock during the day ”.
Pilou in Thailand
“I'm currently in Nice, so if I manage to get some free time, I'll spend some time my family here. Usually, I'm alone for the end of the year celebrations in Thailand with my housekeeping staff. "
Olivier in Portugal
"We left France on December 12th and moved to Portugal on the 15th. We won't have any family or friends for New Year's Eve, but we're happy that we've made our dream come true."
Roro in Portugal
“We won't be doing anything exceptional. Some of our children will be with us. So, we'll be making a list, doing some shopping and make our traditional New Year's Eve dinner.”
Yannick in Reunion Island
“The New Year's Eve for us is going to be a mix of the Mauritian and Reunionese atmosphere, with sega (the traditional music) and some oldies. For dinner, we'll have, kebabs, chicken chassives, sausage rougail (cooked in tomato sauce), cabri massalé (goat curry), samosas, and some nice punch ”.
Fox in the United States
“For Christmas, we had a hearty meal along with some good wine by the woodfire. For the New Year's Eve, we will get together with our neighbours for the fireworks, without forgetting the magnums ”.
Manu in Australia
“I'm going to Newcastle but being alone and far from my family, the New Year's Eve won't be my priority! Maybe I'll go to a restaurant close to the sea".
