We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

First footing gifts

I wonder if the clever folk on here can help me. Last year I bought from our school fair a bag with a piece of coal, a penny and, I think, a candle, all tied up with tartan ribbon and with a laminated tag attached. I'd like to make some myself this year, and wondered if anyone on this forum has made them. I so enjoy reading and trying to make some of the crafts I've seen on here. You are such a talened lot!

Many thanks in advance
xx
Mad about cats - or maybe just mad! :rotfl:
«1

Comments

  • Oh, I've never made those, but that's a very good idea - I'd pop a whisky miniature in there too!
    In a better financial position than ever before (thank you MSE!). Moved back to Scotland and now trying to keep debt-free!
  • Swan_2
    Swan_2 Posts: 7,060 Forumite
    what about kippers dressed up in brightly coloured crepe paper frocks?

    seriously, I can remember stalls selling those as first-footing gifts :D
  • Can I be really thick and ask what first footing gifts are? it's not something I have ever heard of?
    Raising kids is like being held hostage by midget terrorists
  • Swan_2
    Swan_2 Posts: 7,060 Forumite
    it's a Scots tradition, the first person to enter your home, ie first foot over the doorstep, after midnight at New Year, would traditionally bring a gift, usually a piece of coal and/or salt (never heard of the candle, maybe a regional thing?)

    a tall dark male first foot brings good luck for the following year ;)
  • my dad used to make whisps out of straw and he would have firstfooted half the villiage - he died last year and i've been married for 15 years and he would have been with me on newyear day and i still have all the whisps in my front hall and you are supposed to give them silver usually a shilling which sort of turned into 20p and dad used to keep these from\one year to the next - but most people just coal
    :wink: while i knit i think

    NORN IRON CLUB MEMBER NO# 304 :T
  • we always had a dark haired male or female who held a piece of coal for warmth, a coin for wealth and a slice of bread for food, to ensure you had all 3 in the year ahead. :)
  • sandy2_2
    sandy2_2 Posts: 1,931 Forumite
    craftyfox wrote: »
    my dad used to make whisps out of straw and he would have firstfooted half the villiage -

    what's a whisp please
  • 98jdougl
    98jdougl Posts: 1,154 Forumite
    yeah, i always did that coal/log for heat, coin for wealth and bread for food lol
  • How about snowman poop this year!
  • sandy2 not to sure where it comes from think it might be a pagen thing but it is about 10' long plat made from straw - will try and remember and ask my mum about and let you know
    :wink: while i knit i think

    NORN IRON CLUB MEMBER NO# 304 :T
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 260K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.