### Cultural Rituals Associated with End-of-Year Holidays

The end-of-year holidays are celebrated with various traditions around the world, reflecting different cultural, religious, and national practices. Two distinct ways these holidays are observed can be seen in the traditions commonly practiced in Western countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom (Answer A), and those in East Asian nations, like South Korea (Answer B).

#### **Answer A: Western Traditions**
In many Western countries, the end-of-year holidays are predominantly centered around Christmas and the New Year. These celebrations are steeped in Christian religious traditions as well as secular practices.

**1. Gift Exchanges:**  
The tradition of exchanging gifts is rooted in several cultural and historical precedents. One popular account relates it to the gifts given to Jesus by the three wise men in Christian theology. In modern times, this has evolved into a widespread practice where people exchange gifts with family and friends, often placing them under a decorated Christmas tree.

**2. Special Meals:**  
Feasting during the holiday season is a significant tradition. In countries like the United States, the UK, and Canada, traditional Christmas meals might include turkey, ham, roast beef, or goose. These meals are often elaborate and are a central part of the holiday celebration, accompanied by a variety of side dishes and desserts like pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruit cake.

**3. Christmas Trees:**  
The Christmas tree is a prominent symbol of the season. This tradition can be traced back to Germany and has since spread widely across Western nations. Families typically erect a fir or spruce tree in their homes and decorate it with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. The decoration of the tree is a cherished ritual that for many marks the beginning of the festive season.

#### **Answer B: East Asian Traditions (Focusing on South Korea)**
In East Asia, especially in South Korea, New Year (both solar and lunar) holds significant cultural importance, and the celebrations are rich with unique customs and rituals.

**1. Visiting Natural Landscapes:**  
For many Koreans, the New Year is a time for making wishes for the coming year and reflecting on the past. It is common for people to visit mountainous or coastal areas during the New Year. Such visits are often spiritual and contemplative in nature, with individuals praying or making wishes as the sun rises on the first day of the new year, a practice known as 'hae-maji'.

**2. Consuming Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk):**  
Eating Tteokguk, a soup made from thinly sliced rice cakes, is a traditional New Year’s practice in South Korea. This dish is symbolic, with the white color of the rice cakes representing a fresh start and purity for the coming year. It is believed that consuming Tteokguk on New Year’s Day helps one gain luck for the upcoming year and adds an additional year to one’s age, reflecting the acquisition of more wisdom.

These practices illustrate how cultural backgrounds influence the rituals and traditions associated with end-of-year holidays. Both Western and East Asian celebrations focus on the themes of renewal, family, and the hopes for a prosperous new year, albeit expressed in culturally distinct ways. These traditions not only offer a time for festive joy but also reinforce familial bonds and cultural identity.