If you’re like me, I’m sure many of you remember dressing up and heading out for a night of fun and frivolity on New Year’s Eve. Fast forward to two kids and no babysitting prospects in sight, you may have traded in your stilettos for slippers on the biggest party night of the year. Or, you might just be over fighting the crowds and prefer to stay-in and safe off the roads. If any of this applies to you, there’s no reason not to have a little fun at home ringing in the New Year with family and friends.
Whether you decide to host a party for friends and neighbors or just cozy up with your family, make it a New Year’s Eve to remember with these tips for an easy kid-friendly celebration.
New Year’s Eve Tree
I have done this for more years than I can remember and of course have never taken a pic of it. Each year when putting the Christmas decorations away, I leave up one tree to decorate for New Year’s. I decorate it with party hats, noise makers, beads and other fun party accessories, which party goers can just grab and use. (I also put a few ornaments and lights on it, so it’s not just a naked tree at the end of the night;)
Have the Kids Wear their PJs
Whether we’re going to a party or we’re hosting, we generally let the kids wear their PJs on New Year’s Eve. If you’re in for the long haul and plan on watching the ball drop, it just makes it so much easier at the end of the night. Especially, if they’ve already passed out. However, I will mention as the kids have gotten older, we’ve switched to wearing comfy clothes like athletic pants and leggings. Whatever works, right?!
Have Everybody Write a Resolution
Set out some sheets of paper and pens and have guests write down what they plan to accomplish this year. If you’re feeling ambitious, the cute idea pictured above could then be hung on your New Year’s Eve tree. Be sure to set aside a time when everybody can share what their resolution is.
Play One Game That Includes the Kids AND Adults
At this point in our lives our kids tend to scatter, whether we’re at our house or a friend’s. The last few New Year’s Eves we’ve gathered everybody up and played one fun game together. Some of our favorites include Speak Out, Heads Up, Charades and Pictionary. But, anything that’s fun and interactive will work.
Serve Festive Drinks for Both Kids and Adults
My kids, especially my daughter loves anything that she thinks is fancy. Grab some plastic champagne glasses and fill the kids up with some bubbly apple cider. Make your everyday glasses festive by adding a fun sprinkle rim. Or, you could make a fun punch for everybody and then set out a bottle of your favorite spirits for the adults to add to their own drinks.
Around the Clock Desserts
On NYE, I like to keep the food simple. Order pizza, make the party potluck or just serve a few snacks. After all, everybody’s probably been eating non-stop since Christmas. But, I do like to have a fun dessert for the evening. Last year, I bought cupcakes and made them look like a clock. (The hardest part was having to re-purchase six of the cupcakes after the dog ate them). I also like the idea of the clock cake, which I might have to give a try this year. Either way you can purchase the baked goods and then draw the clock yourself or better yet, ask them to decorate it at the bakery.
Watch the Ball Drop
Gather everybody up to countdown to the New Year, no matter what time it really is. We tend to turn on the TV and count down with New York. We used to call it a night at this point, but as the kids have gotten older we actually make it to Midnight! Just make sure whenever it is, you make lots of noise, throw some confetti and are generous with the hugs and kisses. You’ve survived another year of parenthood!!!
How will your family ring in the New Year? Share with us in the comments!
