[Eala]

Nor is 1 January a candidate. It is a very unEnglish day and the ceremonies associated with it are largely Scotch, stupid and occasionally smutty — in both senses.

Not sure what the last is about, but the Seattle Scottish Gaelic Society puts on a great Hogmanay -- often travelling from one house to another led by bagpipes.

[scouse]

travelling from one house to another

That is known as "First Footing" and the visitor is supposed to carry a piece of coal in his/her pocket.