Responses
That's actually an American tradition. Lyle was in New York when he first met the other guy. You can see this tradition present in many romance plots that take place around the New Year, like in Regular Show how Mordecai kisses the cloud girl. That said, in real life it's moreso done between acquaintances, or with someone you intend to hook up with.
I know nothing of british culture but do they really just kiss random strangers on new year’s?