Chime
Another new year. By this point no one was complaining about coming to another one of America's parties. Except for England.
"Same procedure as every year," Germany grumbled as he did every year, Veneziano clinging to his arm.
As he did every year.
Sweden had gotten Finland to watch "Dinner for One" with him. He had also stolen one of France's heart shaped ice creams for the other, not that Finland knew it was not originally his.
"Freddie Frinton never grows old!" Finland said happily. Austria murmured some agreement from where he was watching as well, eating cake. Hungary was wondering whether she should humor Austria and continue to sit in his lap or do something else.
France shut the closet door. He had not really needed to know both Romano and Spain wore red underwear.
Hungary went to the closet.
Poland was now drinking an eighth glass of champagne, despite Lithuania's protests.
"You're going to be a nightmare going home," Lithuania sighed.
"I'm not, like, gonna wait until going home, baby," Poland giggled as he advanced on the other.
Russia was still handing out presents. He deliberately forgot America, but America had not seemed to notice.
"And here's yours!" he shoved one into Belarus' hands and ran away as fast as the tall man could go. He decided he would probably need Vodka to deal with the rest of the party.
China was complaining how they still had a few weeks to go yet, but the only one listening was the polite Liechtenstein. He had been talking to Hong Kong, but Hong Kong was too busy looking at the night lights.
Korea had not overly minded, but he was busy arguing with Vietnam what hour the Lunar New Year started.
"I invented the New Year!"
Canada and India were busy discussing why they really had to convince America to take them to a live concert instead.
Japan was absently ringing his bell. He was on ring fifty eight, but he did not quite remember that. America had introduced him to a tradition at midnight he had not quite gotten over yet.
And England was drinking.
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot..."
England groaned. He knew his older brother was going to call him and laugh at him for taking his song. Of course, it was hard to hear the song when America was chattering away in his ear. Of course, England's comebacks had been failing miserably.
"Stand beside... her! And guide her!"
"Says the Motherland."
England's eyes were almost as wide as his eyebrows. "What?"
"Um... 'says the Motherland'," America blinked.
"God damn America!" England buried his face into his arms.
"Actually, it's 'God Bless America', but you're drunk and I'll forgive you."
"Same procedure as every year" is a punch line from the comedy sketch "Dinner for One". It is a catch phrase in Germany. People of Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands watch the old West German cult classic every New Year's Eve. Oh Germany, you are soooo funny!
In Spain it is said that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve will bring good luck. And everyone knows Romano copies many Spanish traditions. So does Mexico. Being occupied by another country can do that.
People in Poland drinks a glass of champagne exactly at midnight and raising toast for luck in the upcoming year.
All of the countries formally known as the Soviet Union are known for giving out presents in the New Year. It is seen as taboo to forget someone you associate with while gift giving.
Hong Kong people usually go out to Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui to look at the night lights in the harbor.
The Vietnamese New Years is celebrated on the same day as China, Japan, and Korea's, though exceptions arise due to the one-hour time difference between Hanoi and Beijing.
Events in India are sporting contests and mules races and live concerts and dances by bollywood stars. Canadians also likes music in their celebrations.
Buddhist temples in Japan ring their bell 108 times starting at midnight. And Americans like kissing people to start the New Year to ensure affections and ties with each other for the next twelve months.
And Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song. Ha! Take tha' ye Brit!
If I have gotten any of this information wrong, please inform me so I can fix it.
