The picture of my New Year's Eve: My three siblings and I huddled around a TV watching episodes of "Friends," eating pizza, and enjoying sweet treats trying to stay up past midnight-- which seems exhausting because of the anticipation of what the next year could bring!

With the way 2016 has played out, I know many people are hoping for a better 2017. It wouldn't be the first time the new year marked a hopeful change, so follow the path of history and try your hand at classic traditions from around the world. After all, if these traditions don't start the year off with a bang, at least the memories will brighten the bad days.

Here's 12 cultural traditions you should definitely try each New Year's Eve:

1. "Auld Lang Syne" and "First-Footing" (Hogmanay) - Scotland

Scotland celebrates the new year through song and through visiting neighbors and expressing well wishes. To ensure an excellent year ahead, after midnight, the first foot should be that of a tall, dark, and handsome man bearing gifts (shortbread, coal, bread, salt). The idea is to have the first guest in the home bring gifts and fortune for the new year. Scotland's "Auld Lang Syne" takes the cake for New Year's music. "Auld Lang Syne" was born in 1796. Robert Burns crafted the lyrics and sentiment while Guy Lombardo popularized the tune in the 1900s. The song expresses and reflects on friendships waxing and waning over time and space. I don't know about you, but it's fitting for me. I have seen friends come and go throughout college and by the end, even more friends leaving to other places. Now is the time to feel nostalgic about memories or get together with friends and craft new memories.

2. 12 Grapes - Spain

Hoping for 12 happy months? It's easy -- just eat 12 grapes at midnight and watch the happy months roll in. This tradition dates all the way back to at least 1895! This year forget about the memorable midnight sloppy kiss and stuff your cheeks with grapes for prosperity and a grape great new year. Bonus points to those who scarf down 12 grapes in 12 seconds or at least in sync with the bell strikes at midnight!

3. Bonenkei ("Forget the Year" Parties) and Oshogatsu - Japan

Throughout December, Bonenkei occurs, where parties are held to send the problems and concerns of the past year packing. Like many cultures, forgiveness is expected and newness and a look to the future falls into place. New Year's is very important in Japan and therefore, parties and festivities set the bar pretty high. Once midnight strikes on December 31st, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times to usher in the new year and rid people of the 108 human weaknesses. Some add to their ensemble by wearing a mask of next year's zodiac symbol. Children receive envelopes containing small amounts of money. Lastly, sending New Year's cards are a tradition and the post office guarantees cards will arrive by January 1st if postmarked by a certain date. How kind is that?!

4. Suckling pigs - Austria

Apologies to those who refrain from eating pig, but the tradition in Austria is to have pig at the dinner table accompanied by peppermint ice cream for good luck and fortune. The table includes suckling pig surrounded by mini pigs made of marzipan or chocolate. Meat and sweets are all considered to bring luck to people. It is a good excuse to eat so much food!

5. Vasilopita, or St. Basil/King's cake - Greece

Sweets and surprises are in store with this treat. Vasilopita is a New Year's dessert that contains a hidden coin or trinket. Centuries ago, the emperor imposed a huge tax on the people of Caesarea. To pay, people gave their precious gold and jewelry. Upon hearing this, St. Basil, the archbishop of Caesarea demanded the emperor repent. The emperor followed this order and canceled the tax. His staff gave all the collected taxes to St. Basil who was tasked with distributing the gold to its rightful owner. He baked all the goods into a huge pita and asked the people to come and pray. Then, he blessed the pita and gave a slice to each person. By some miracle, each person ended up with their own gold and jewelry. To honor St. Basil's work, the tradition continues as people give thanks and care to each other and celebrate the New Year!

6. Run around the block with luggage - Mexico

To some, luck would be the ability to travel and adventure in the coming year. Similarly, in Venezuela, people carry a suitcase around their house for the same reason. To make the message to the universe stronger, do without empty bags and fill the bag with items that represent the places you want to visit. I think the universe will appreciate your straight-forwardness. Maybe leave a message for a travel agent while walking and then the dream of 2017 journeys will come true!

7. Striking-a-Bell Ceremony - Korea

Noise is no stranger to New Year's Eve. In Korea, a bell strikes 33 times in memory of the 33 fighters for the restoration of Korea. Some people also escape to the sea to watch the sunrise and make wishes for the New Year.

8. Make like a flamingo and start off on the right foot - Argentina

Get your right foot read. Stand on the left foot and take a step forward with the right foot at midnight. If you don't know your right from your left, now would be the time to figure it out.

9. Wear white clothes - Brazil

To bring good luck and peace, people in Brazil wear white. If you are looking for more luck, jump in 7 different waves. Make offerings to the goddess, Iemanja. She controls the waters and you can appease her by putting flowers, rice, or mirrors as gifts in the water. If the gifts are sent or float back to you, you wish was not granted. Better luck next time!

10. Out with the old (furniture) - South Africa

Out with the old and in with the new as they say. What a proactive way to welcome the New Year. Watch out for falling furniture at midnight!

11. Champagne Wishes - Russia

Not everyone prefers a wish to a glass of champagne, but in Russia, you can have both. Simply write a wish on a piece of paper then burn it and put it in you glass of champagne. Make sure to drink the champagne before 12:01!

12. The Time Square Ball Drop - U.S.A. (unless you consider NYC its own little bubble!)

Since 1907, a ball has dropped in Time Square to commemorate the New Year. Amidst family, friends, lovers, news anchors, and musical talents, the ball drops and confetti flies all over for millions of people.

Basically, you can't go wrong eating a lot of food and making of plenty of noise to welcome the New Year. This year, I am trying my hand at hosting a shin-dig with just enough food, some alcohol, the merriment of friends, music, and of course, a viewing of the ball drop in Time Square. 12 months are rarely all dull, so I think if you sleep through the New Year or dance through it, you are guaranteed a wild ride.

That's life, right?