please help me with a few more. Specifically with a group that maybe eats at a certain time or a special person has to prepare it?
There are many religious people out here, such as Hindus. They celebrate this very special occasion called Karva Chauth. Karva Chauth Vrat is a fast kept by women for their husband or would be husband's long life. Married women fast one whole day without food or water for the long life of thier husbands. This is done at a certain time, I'm not so sure if this will help you.
The french usually celebrates new year's eve with a special feast called le Reveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The feast tends to include special items like Champagne and foie gras and the accompanying party can range from an intimate dinner with friends to une soiree dansante(ball)
If you need even more, then don't mind asking me, I'll post more.