Grapes, Suitcases, and Collard Greens: Is Your New Year’s Tradition the Luckiest in Davidson County?
DAVIDSON COUNTY — As the final grain of sand drops in the hourglass of 2025, a familiar anticipation is building from the streets of Thomasville and Lexington to the quiet corners of Tyro. Many of us are already prepping the kitchen for that quintessential Southern New Year’s Day meal—collard greens for money and black-eyed peas for luck—ensuring we start 2026 on a prosperous note.
But before we flip the calendar and look ahead, there is a collective moment to breathe and look back.
A Moment of Reflection: The Year That Was
Before the fireworks ignite over High Rock Lake, New Year’s Eve offers us a chance to look in the rearview mirror. 2025 has been a year of growth and transition for our county. We’ve seen our downtowns flourish, our neighbors support one another through challenges, and our community identity continue to evolve.
Whether it was a personal milestone—a new job, a graduation, or a new addition to the family—or a shared community experience, 2025 has left its mark on us. We carry the lessons of the past twelve months into the future, knowing that every end is simply a new beginning.
The World in Our Backyard
While many look to the horizon for adventure, we often forget that the "world" is already right here in Davidson County. We are a vibrant tapestry woven from countless different backgrounds, cultures, and histories. From families who have farmed this soil for centuries to neighbors who have brought traditions from across oceans, we are an incredibly rich melting pot.
This diversity is our greatest local treasure. We don’t need a passport to experience the beauty of global culture; we often just need to strike up a conversation with the person in line at the grocery store or the family living next door. By learning from each other's unique customs, we enrich our own lives and prove that our differences don't divide us—they make Davidson County a more fascinating place to call home.
A Global Look: How the World Prays for Luck
Across the globe, our neighbors are using some creative—and sometimes messy—ways to shake off the old year.
Europe: Grapes and Broken Plates: In Spain, the clock’s strike at midnight is met with las doce uvas de la suerte (the twelve grapes of luck). You have to eat one for every chime! Meanwhile, in Denmark, you might find a pile of smashed plates on your doorstep—it’s a sign that you are loved by many friends.
Latin America: Suitcases and Sea Waves: In Colombia, those dreaming of travel in the new year grab an empty suitcase and run around the block at midnight. In Brazil, millions dress in white and head to the ocean to jump over seven waves, making a wish for each one.
Asia: Bells and Round Fruits: In Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times (Joya no Kane) to cleanse the anxieties of the past year. In the Philippines, families display twelve different round fruits to symbolize coins and ensure financial success for every month of the year.
What is Your Davidson County Tradition?
We might not be jumping waves in the Atlantic or smashing plates in Welcome, but Davidson County has its own heartbeat. Because we are such a diverse community, we know there are thousands of unique, "hidden" traditions happening in living rooms across the county.
Davidson Local wants to hear from you! How does your family celebrate its heritage as the clock strikes twelve?
Do you have a specific international dish that must be on the table?
Is there a "secret" spot in Denton where your family watches the first sunrise of the year?
Do you have a unique family toast or a board game marathon that has lasted for decades?
Share Your Stories and Photos! Let’s celebrate the unique fabric of our community as we head into 2026. Share your photos, your lucky charms, or your family stories with us. Head over to the Davidson Local Facebook page.
By sharing our traditions, we learn more about the neighbors who make our lives so much richer. Let’s show that Davidson County knows how to ring it in right—together.
