When we were younger and childless, ringing in the New Year was exciting. We’d get dressed up, sip champagne, and count down until the ball dropped on the television screen. And the night would be sealed with a smooch. But those NYE celebrations are long gone.
We have four children, ranging from a teenager to a kindergartner. Since the pandemic, staying home and cozy is the vibe we are all here for. However, just because you’re home, doesn’t mean your family’s New Year’s Eve celebration has to be boring. Here are some ideas your crew will love.
Movie theater — casual style
Choose several movies as a family, whether they’re old classics or new releases. Grab everyone’s favorite snacks and don’t forget to order pizza. Here's another chance to wear those holiday PJs again.
Pile into the living room together, and enjoy your snacks and relax until the clock strikes 12.
Game night
You likely just got a few new board or card games for Christmas, so bring on the family game night. If you didn’t get anything new, definitely take advantage of the holiday clearance and grab some family-friendly games before NYE night. Of course, PJs and snacks are also a must.
Camp out — inside
Create an indoor camping experience for the family and make hot dogs and s’mores using all those leftover fun-size holiday candy bars. Tell scary (or not-so-scary) stories, read books with flashlights, or combine the campout with the movie theater night.
If your crew can’t all sleep in the same room, let midnight be the signal for everyone to head to their own beds.
Start organizing
Many parents find the post-holiday mess to be overwhelming. With heaps of new toys, your kids may be ready to donate the toys they no longer play with. Adults can participate, too.
Give your children a set number of items to find and donate. Once gathered, celebrate with one of the other ideas, like game night. Be sure to place the donations in your trunk because with kids, it's out of sight, out of mind.
Get fancy
You may not be at the bar with friends like you were a decade ago, but this doesn’t mean your crew can’t have some “grown-up” fun.
Have everyone choose a “fancy” outfit to wear, dance to your favorite playlists, and toast the New Year with sparkling juice. You can set out hors d’oeuvres, too. Just make sure it’s kid-friendly food.
Dining hodge-podge
Let each family member choose one or two foods and voilà, dinner is served. You can fully expect that the foods will not “go together,” which is why it’s fun. Think mac and cheese, pickles, wings, or cookies. Older kids can help make recipes like lasagna or a chocolate cake. Kids can also create menus. If the kids are going to stay up until midnight, you can repeat the fun with a snack buffet around 11 p.m.
Staying at home for NYE has several advantages. Enjoy creating a new tradition with your family — one that they will always remember.
