My family has never been one to make a fuss over New Year’s – no big lunch or dinner, just watching the ball drop with Dick Clark and a smooch or two at midnight – that was about it. I had never of people doing much more so I was surprised when I came across this list on Snopes.com of superstitions surrounding the holiday.

According to Snopes.com:

Kissing at Midnight: We kiss those dearest to us at midnight not only to share a moment of celebration with our favorite people, but also to ensure those affections and ties will continue throughout the next twelve months.
Stocking Up: The new year must not be seen in with bare cupboards, lest that be the way of things for the year. Larders must be topped up and plenty of money must be placed in every wallet in the home to guarantee prosperity.
New Clothes: Wear something new on January 1 to increase the liklihood of your receiving more new garments during the year to follow.
Black-Eyed Peas: A tradition common to the southern states of the USA dictates that the eating of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will attract both general good luck and money in particular to the one doing the dining. Some choose to add other Southern fare (such as ham hocks, collard greens, or cabbage) to this tradition, but the black-eyed peas are key.
Loud Noise: Make as much noise as possible at midnight. You are not just celebrating, you are scaring away evil spirits.

Click Here for the complete list.