Matthew McConaughey will mark New Year's Eve by throwing flowers in the sea.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

The 'Dallas Buyers Club' actor - who has children Levi, seven, Vida, five, and Livingstone, two, with wife Camila Alves - has adopted his Brazilian spouse's annual tradition to mark the turning of the year.

He said: "My wife's tradition in her country is to wear all white and go to the ocean and get little white flowers and put them in the sea.

"We've done it the last few years."

For the 46-year-old actor, the holiday season is all about the importance of family.

Asked what reminds him of the festive season, he said: "Family. We always get together. We have family all over the United States, mainly around Texas and we switch out on who is going to go where and when.

"To get all the kids together is great, as my children's best friends are my brother's children. And it is time to give thanks.

"We stay at home and tell the stories - some of the same old stories are always told. That's always been the most important tradition, to have my family together."