Some of the best parts about celebrating New Year’s Eve are all the fun ways to ring in the new year as a family!
From watching the ball drop, to counting down those final seconds before the new year begins, the excitement kids feel is contagious.
So if you’re looking at new and creative ways to celebrate as a family, we’ve got some fresh ideas to help you bring out the new year in style!
Sure, sometimes a simple bowl of popcorn and watching the ball drop is sufficient, but if you’re looking for something different, check out our ideas below!
1. Neighborhood Pajama Party
Don’t just watch the ball drop and go to bed – make a night out of it!
Consider having a pajama party in your home, and invite your neighbors and their kids too.
Everyone can bring a fun finger food appetizer (so you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen), and enjoy the company of food, friends, and family.
After watching the ball drop, consider having a “fort sleepover” for your family in the living room.
Think air mattresses and makeshift sheets for the cover.
Your kids will love the excitement of getting to stay up and sleep someplace different.
And let’s face it – who doesn’t love a pajama party?
2. Get Creative
Okay, so maybe you want to just celebrate with your family and not have other people over.
That’s okay too!
Consider tapping into your creative gene, and making fun homemade decorations to celebrate!
One option is to make homemade masquerade masks complete with glitter and feathers.
You can also make simple decorations like flags and banners to decorate your home.
Your children will love helping add their own personal touch in closing out this year.
3. Take Advantage Of Day Events
Many places in your neighborhood have daytime activities your children are sure to love.
From glow bowling to activities at the zoo, the options really are endless.
Consider taking your kids ice-skating during the day, complete with hot chocolate.
But as we all know NYE has a lot of crazies out, so it’s probably best to do activities like bowling during the day and avoid the night scene.
And once you’re done wrapping up the end of the year with your kids during the day, perhaps you can have a babysitter come over so you and your hubby can have a night out to ring in the near year!
4. End With Gratitude
This option can be done in combination with the other three.
One of the most important things to remember when bringing in a new year is to reflect on all the ways the Lord answered prayers.
Consider making a “gratitude” wall (you can use whiteboard sticky paper) and have each member of your family write down what they are grateful for.
You can even turn it into a prayer wall, and write down prayer requests.
While things may have gone wrong in this past year, and even if this year was the worst year of your life, there is always something to be thankful for.
Teaching your children to think about how to cultivate a heart of gratitude will serve them later in life.
Remember moms, there is no wrong way to celebrate ringing in the new year!
Every family is different and has unique circumstances and desires.
The most important thing is that you are all together as a family, as you say goodbye to the old and ring in the new.
And from all of us at Mommy Underground, have a safe and happy New Year!
(h/t Mommy Underground)