On New Year's Eve-which isn't really the eve of New Year, but the eve before New Year-I prepare cabbage and black-eyed peas, which are said to bring wealth and good luck respectively. This is a tradition my mother taught us in early childhood and whether it was just a clever trick to feed children vegetables or there is actual magic to these specific foods at this specific time of year, we've continued the practice since. And, it should be added, that cabbage is now a favorite of my little brother's.
I seem to recall that one is not supposed to clean the day before New Year as well, as it will shoo away good luck. You would think the loud fireworks might frighten it away, but when speaking of superstition one cannot make too much sense.