Just had the family bring in the “wood and paper” wrapped money first thing this morning. Had to explain again to my 8 and 10 year old daughters the significance of this tradition. Then I googled and couldn’t find anything on this, with the exception of “first footing” which we also do; hence the thread. Just wondered if anyone else did this and any other ones not usually heard of?
To explain: Pieces of wood kindling (one for each member of the household) is “hidden” outside near the house and the same amount of silver coins are wrapped in Christmas paper or foil and again hidden (usually under a plant pot). Then the first activity on new years day is that each person has to go and “find” and collect their piece of wood, bringing this into the house and while placing it on the fireside hearth (or equivalent) says “here’s some wood, I hope it does me good”. They then go outside again and “find” their money. Once inside they keep the wrapped coin in a safe place for the rest of the year. This shouldn’t be unwrapped and means that in keeping the coin, you will never be without money for the remainder of the year!
Wondered how many of you celebrate in the same way …or what you do instead?