Christmas was not traditionally celebrated in Scotland due to it being banned for nearly 400 years following the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. As a result, Hogmanay on New Year's Eve became the main winter festival. Some Christmas traditions such as decorating trees and exchanging gifts were adopted from England in more recent decades, but Scots traditions like first-footing on New Year's Eve, singing Auld Lang Syne, and lighting candles on windowsills to welcome in the new year remain an important part of Scottish winter celebrations.