Answer:

While many Japanese are at home quietly enjoying New Year’s Eve with their families, Americans are likely to be at parties with friends. In this sense, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are reversed in our two cultures. Couples in the States may go out dinner and even dancing. Crowds gather at places such as Times Square in New York City and night clubs to await the changing of the New Year at midnight. Many people hold parties at home, sometimes starting with dinner, and these generally include listening to music, talking, hors d’ oeuvres, and alcohol. It is traditional to celebrate with champagne when the New Year finally arrives. Because of the large number of holiday imbibers, it is wise to stay off the roads on this night, if at all possible.