In some cultures, New Year's Day coincided with the Annunciation of Jesus. However, the tradition was condemned by various religious leaders. It is believed that the current tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year's Day originated in the 7th century when people of Netherlands and Flanders celebrated the day. Most of the Western world adopted January 1 as the New Year's Day, also called the Circumcision Day, even before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. The Circumcision Day is associated with Jesus Christ.
Different countries celebrate the New Year's Day differently, but almost all the celebrations start from December 31st itself, beckoning the New Year with a fervent countdown. In countries like the US, Australia, Malaysia and other European and Western cultures, people congregate at a place to watch fireworks as the New Year's Day descends.