Holiday stress usually brings to mind the whirlwind of shopping for gifts, traveling to visit relatives, staying within your budget … the list goes on. Many families will agree the stress doesn’t stop when Christmas Day is winding down – there’s still New Year’s Eve to deal with.
Party hats, festive outfits, noisemakers, adults-only parties – what’s a parent to do? There comes a time when most parents come to the realization their lives are different now that they have children. Life really does change! But, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.
And, yes, New Year’s Eve can be fun without the alcohol. Here are some ideas to try if you’re staying home with the kids, or your budget is limited.
Invite a “friend-family” to a mini-party at your house. Make sure the other family’s children have their PJs so all the kids can conk out in sleeping bags when they just can’t hang any longer. When they’re up way past their bedtime, chances are they won’t wake up when you carry them to the car seat for the trip home. Play board games, and plan special snacks and fruity, non-alcoholic drinks everyone can enjoy. Little paper umbrellas are inexpensive and you can throw a maraschino cherry into just about any beverage to “glam” things up.
Even if there’s not a “friend-family” available, throw your own party at home with the kids. Dress up like you’re all going to a fancy party, do the girls’ hair and nails, and take lots of pictures! Plan a special dinner, then watch the New Year’s Eve shows together – make sure you pick one of the kid-friendly versions. When the music starts, shove the furniture out of the way and dance – seriously, the kids will love it – and they’ll wear off some energy!
If you have saved for a night out, pick a movie everyone will enjoy and head out to a “late” showing. If you plan for a 9:30-ish start time, by the time the movie is over and you head home, it will be almost midnight and just enough time to toast the New Year with hot chocolate, or one of those fancy non-alcoholic drinks mentioned above. Sparkling grape juice is a great pick, and it’s on sale this time of year – plus, you’ll find coupons out there, too.
On these quiet, or not-so-quiet, times at home on New Year’s Eve, my family started the tradition of everyone naming the “best of” for the year – the movie they most enjoyed, the best time they had with the family, favorite song that came out or new artist, a new activity someone started that year … be creative. It’s much less stressful than naming your New Year’s resolution, you’re guaranteed a few laughs, you’ll learn more about your family members, and re-visit some fond memories.
Surprisingly, the family can also have a lot of laughs and fun trying to explain the word “resolution” to little ones. Vocabulary lessons on New Year’s Eve? Why not … it’s relevant.
When the New Year arrives, the kisses and hugs you’ll get from giddy kids will be the most meaningful, and you’ll be glad you’re spending the night with the people who mean the most to you.
