New Year’s Eve Traditions : Ringing in the New Year with Little Ones!
Let’s be honest. New Year’s Eve can be… anti-climatic. In my younger years, it was a compilation of crowded nights at bars, paying too much for a cover and then standing in line forever for an overpriced drink. Fast forward to having a little one, and staying up till midnight became a victory in itself! There are several years I remember falling asleep, but setting an alarm to cheers and kiss my husband for good luck, and then falling right back asleep. Ha! Parenthood, am I right?
In recent years, we've ditched the pressure for an epic night and opted for a cozy get-together with close friends. No sleepy countdowns, just enjoying each other’s company without the pressure to watch the ball drop. Now, with Alex starting to grasp the holiday spirit, it feels like the perfect time to start some new traditions. If you’re on the lookout for simple, stress-free ways to celebrate with your family, check out the ideas below! And remember, perfection is overrated; it's all about creating memorable moments to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new!
PARTY PREP: Let the Sparkle Begin!
Decorate with a twinkle! Raid your house for anything shiny or sparkly – twinkle lights, glittery ornaments, tinsel, silver, and gold. Fresh flowers and a few candles can add that fancy touch.
Props: Craft some DIY noisemakers using empty bottles or jars filled with jingly things (coins, beans, beads, etc). Feeling extra crafty? Search Pinterest for a toilet paper roll party popper tutorial!
Vibe: Create a playlist of your family’s favorite party songs on Spotify and get ready for a dance party!
Festive Food: Get creative in the kitchen with mini pizzas shaped like the numbers of the upcoming year. Or, my favorite, do an all-appetizer meal complete with everyone’s go-to snack. You also can’t beat breakfast for dinner! Whatever you do, don't forget the champagne and/or the sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic toast!
ACTIVITY IDEAS: Low prep, maximum fun!
Slumber Party: Why get all dolled up when you can have a cozy PJ party? Embrace comfort, grab some comfy blankets, and snuggle up for a movie marathon or game night. Make it a themed movie night for added fun, and don’t forget the popcorn and candy!
Indoor Camping: Grab sleeping bags, an air mattress, heck even a tent, and set it up in your living room. Play games, tell stories, and talk about your dreams for next year. This can be a fun time to talk about favorite family trips during the year, and plan a bucket list for the years to come!
Make a Time Capsule: Get a shoebox, and together, fill it with little notes, pictures, drawings, or items that represent your favorite memories from the past year. Then, seal it up and stash it away until next New Year's Eve for a trip down memory lane.
Memory Jar Reflections: End the year on a sentimental note. Have each family member write down their favorite memories from the past year and put them in a jar. Take turns reading them aloud as you reflect on the fantastic moments you've shared.
Wishing Wall: Encourage the whole family to jot down their wishes and goals for the upcoming year on sticky notes or colorful pieces of paper. Stick them on a 'Wishing Wall' and watch the dreams unfold throughout the year.
Vision Board: Craft your 2024 aspirations in pictures! Tear out images from old magazines and create individual boards or a family collage using glue sticks, poster board, or construction paper.
Family Interview: A yearly tradition in the making! Store your answers in the time capsule or save them for a trip down memory lane. Here are some ideas to get you started:
What was your favorite trip?
What was your favorite family activity?
What's the best memory you have from this year?
What was your favorite movie?
What was your favorite song?
Who was your best friend?
What holiday was the best?
What goal(s) did you accomplish?
If you could go back and relive any day this year, which would you choose?
What was your favorite TV show?
What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?
What is something new you tried this year?
What is one thing you want to do more of next year?
The Countdown! Don’t forget to do your own countdown, or watch one of the many kid-specific ones available on Netflix. Kids will be excited to be a part of the excitement, even if it’s counting down to 8 pm and not midnight!
Whatever you do, remember it’s not being Instagram perfect. It's all about giggles, simple joys, and spending the real happy hours creating unforgettable memories with your crew. Cheers to you!
