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Thinking about a holiday like New Year’s Eve can be difficult when you're pregnant and possibly prohibited from certain activities. As an expecting mom, you might not be able to do what you typically do on New Year’s Eve, but that doesn't have to stop all the fun. This exciting time in your life could and should be accentuated by the holidays — and that includes New Year's!
So, how can you celebrate?
Whether you have time to plan ahead or are figuring out your night at the last minute, New Year’s is a great holiday that allows for flexibility. Depending on how you feel, you might want to make it a low-pressure night or amp up the fun. Either way, don't let the holidays get away from you just because you're pregnant. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the time.
1. Make it about what you want
Pretty soon, everything will revolve around the baby — your focus, schedule, time to shower — so do what you really want to do for the holidays!
2. Serve up an elegant mocktail
Who says you need to have alcohol to enjoy a fancy drink? Break out your best glasses, and mix up a booze-free drink of your choice. While others are enjoying their bubbly, you can still serve up a good quality cider or mocktail.
3. Set up a themed dinner
Pick a theme that you truly love, and host a small dinner party for your household! For the baby shower, you might have done something virtual with childlike appeal, so use this night to pick a theme that speaks to you and your immediate family. Choosing something like a pajama party, French theme, or going with a traditional New Year's ball drop can be fun when you go all in.
4. Have a spa or craft night
Again, your time will change once the baby comes. So work on your hobbies or favorite things to do now, while you can do it without having to worry about the baby or feel too exhausted to even try. Break out your craft supplies, mud mask, dessert cookbook, or whatever hobby you might not have the time and energy to do later.
5. Take some new photos
Whether you took maternity photos or not, celebrating a new year with some new photos can be a great way to commemorate this milestone of getting through to a new year and expanding your family!
6. Turn up the heat with an at-home date night
Nights alone with your partner will be limited in the coming months. This would be the perfect night to turn up the heat on your at-home dates. Try something you’ve never done before at home, actually get dressed up for each other, cook together, or order in. Get outside the box!
7. Focus on brunch
If this baby is putting you to bed early, and you know you'll miss the ball drop, focus your efforts on a New Year’s Day brunch instead. Festive breakfast dishes and delicious lunch options go hand in hand when everyone else is just waking up from the late night.
8. Hang out with your parents (if you can)
Getting wisdom from the people who raised you, or other parents with experience, can help prepare you for what’s to come. Whether it's safely in person or over Zoom, you could use this time to ask the questions you really want to ask, and get advice on what you should expect.
9. Start a new challenge
Who says that just because you're pregnant you can't start something new? This new activity doesn't have to last once the baby comes. It could be a quick 30-day challenge. Tackle a task that you've been putting off — read a certain number of books, try a new 30-day prenatal workout challenge, or work through a list of self-care ideas.
10. Write down your wishes
Taking time to reflect and look ahead happens more often when you're preparing to bring a new life into the world. Use this time to write down what you wish for yourself, your impending arrival, and your coming year.
