New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. Friends and family gather to count down the waning moments of the year, and anticipate the fun times ahead in the year to come. While adults tend to look forward to New Year’s Eve festivities more than children, there are many ways parents can ring in the New Year with their kids.
1. Invite kids into the kitchen.
New Year’s Eve festivities often include food, so why not invite youngsters into the kitchen to cook alongside you? Kids may not be interested in preparing the main course, but let them get involved when baking the night’s more delectable treats like cookies and cakes. Little ones can choose their favorite treats and help their parents prepare those treats for guests coming to join the festivities. To add even more fun, decorate cookies and cakes with a New Year’s Eve theme!
2. Pick funny resolutions out of a hat.
New Year’s resolutions are a big part of the holiday. Add some fun to this tradition by having everyone write their own resolutions. Tell everyone to keep their resolutions to themselves, have them place their resolutions in a hat and let each person pick one out right after the clock strikes midnight. Have everyone read their resolutions out loud for a great laugh!
3. Get a New Year’s piñata.
Many people love to watch the ball drop from Time’s Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve. Celebrants can bring a taste of this beloved tradition into their own homes come New Year’s Eve by purchasing a piñata, filling it with confetti and treats and letting the kids take turns breaking the piñata as the clock strikes midnight.
4. Make predictions for the year to come.
Another fun and wholesome New Year’s Eve activity parents can enjoy with their children is making predictions for the coming year. Ask young sports fans to predict which teams will win championships in their respective leagues while encouraging other youngsters to share their predictions on awards shows or other popular social events. Write down their predictions and see who was right when the time comes!
5. Ring in the New Year under the stars.
Some families might want to forgo television countdowns in favor of spending the final hours of the year under the stars. If it’s not too cold, have a bonfire in the backyard. This is a great way for families to bond and spend time together at the end of what is often a hectic time of year. Instead of hoisting champagne or sparkling cider at the stroke of midnight, shares some s’mores and hot chocolate around the campfire as everyone gazes up at the stars. You might even catch some fireworks!
For family-friendly New Year’s Eve events happening in the community, check out our calendar!