Happy New Year! Here’s the first VFYT of 2019 — and it’s from Spain, where the tradition is to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Read all about it:

Americans may giddily greet the New Year downing a glass of champagne and grabbing a kiss at the drop of the ball. But the first 12 seconds of the Spaniards’ New Year are somewhat quieter and more intense, as everyone focuses on eating all 12 of the “miraculous grapes” that symbolize 12 lucky months ahead.

Eating the grapes pretty much guarantees starting off the year with a little adrenaline rush, and most likely some laughs. While the goal of getting the 12 grapes down in time can spark a contest of who is más macho around the table, the biggest challenge is more likely to be not gagging as you cram them in your mouth and try to swallow while laughing hysterically.

Feliz año nuevo, Spain — and I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.

And here’s some yummy seafood from Washington state:

Says the reader:

Lilliwaup Oysters & great clam chowder at our favorite waterfront restaurant overlooking Commencement Bay in Tacoma

UPDATE:

Tradition!