IN common with millions of people around the world, many of us can't wait to see the back of 2022.

War, financial issues, extreme weather, uncertain politics - you name it, we've been through it.

So how do people at home and in other countries mark the end of one year and the start of another one?

THE UK.

On December 31, as the clock strikes midnight, people hold hands and sing 'Auld Lang Syne' to welcome the new year in.

The song was written by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, who based it on an old folk song.

In the Scots language, the phrase 'auld lang syne' roughly translates as 'for old times' sake'.

It is a song about reunion and reconciliation; a reflection of times past, and a promise to move forward together.

SPAIN.

On each of the 12 strokes of the clock at midnight, a grape is eaten to bring good luck for the coming months.

DENMARK.

Just before midnight, people stand on chairs, ready to jump off at midnight and leap into January.

SWITZERLAND.

It is traditional to drop a dollop of cream on the floor to bring a prosperous new year.

GREECE.

An onion is hung on the front door as a symbol of rebirth. On New Year's Day, parents wake their children up by tapping them on the head with the onion.

BRAZIL.

People dress in white clothes to symbolise their hopes for good luck and peace for the new year. If you live near a beach, it is tradition to jump over seven waves - for each wave, you receive a wish.

GERMANY.

They eat doughnuts or 'Pfannkuchens' filled with jam or liquor. As a practical joke, some may contain mustard or other unsavoury fillings - if you are unfortunate enough to choose one of these, it is seen as bad luck.

COLUMBIA.

People in Columbia carry an empty suitcase around with them in the hope of a travel-filled year ahead.

ESTONIA.

People eat either seven, nine or 12 times throughout the day. These are all lucky numbers, and it is believed that the more they eat, the more plentiful the food will be in the coming year.

TURKEY.

New Year's Eve is spent getting together, having dinner and listening to traditional Turkish music.

*WHY not share your pictures of your New Year's Eve celebrations? Send them to phil.hill@countygazette.co.uk and we'll post them on this website and in the County Gazette newspaper.