Just like that, the year is coming to an end. Don’t you think the years are flying by these days, especially after the chaos of the pandemic years? We appear to have skipped two or three years in the blink of an eye.
Nonetheless, looking back, there must have been a lot that has happened between your family and the kids. You’d want to celebrate the end of the year to reflect on everything that has happened and everyone around you.
The best time to do is on New Year’s Eve; which according to Pure Healthy Living, is a symbol of starting over. It’s an ideal time to let go of the past while welcoming change and challenges.
New Year’s Eve also allows us to reflect on the previous year because most of us are different people than we were 365 days ago.
If you’re stuck for ideas for the day, continue reading for some suggestions on how to get started.
Play New Year’s Eve Special Games
Game night is always a good idea for any occasion, and for New Year’s Eve, you can do something extra special.
Plan several games that children can participate in, such as New Year’s Eve Board Games, New Year’s Eve Ball Games, or New Year’s Eve Bingo.
Another entertaining game to try is Two Resolutions and a Lie: A New Year’s twist on the classic game of Two Truths and a Lie. In this game, participants will have to distinguish between the two resolutions that will be kept next year and those that are entirely made up.
Create a Year-in-Review Slideshow
Instead of watching a movie, make a slideshow of photos of family and friends taken this year. Take some from when your family went on vacations, celebrated birthdays, participated in activities, and just random unique, funny photos.
When looking at the photos, have everyone in the family take turns talking about the photos. You can also have your children narrate the show. It’s always amusing to hear what people still remember from past events.
Pop a Balloon Every Hour
If your kids enjoy popping balloons, then popping one every hour until midnight will be so much fun for them.
Choose a time to begin, but not so soon that your children become bored. Start around noon or after dinner so there are still plenty of balloons to pop.
Label each balloon with the time it is supposed to be popped. To make it more interesting, you may add some confetti and a different activity note to each balloon.
The anticipation gives the evening a touch of mystery and intrigue!
Countdown Treat Bags
Treat bags work just as well if your kids don’t like popping balloons because of the frightening sound they make.
Purchase some paper bags decorated with a new year’s theme or ask your children to decorate some plain ones.
Then, you can put some cool and tasty surprises inside the bags, like books, chocolates, and party hats. If you have older kids, you can also include a calendar and a diary.
Make each treat bag unique so that your children can enjoy opening one for each hour leading up to midnight.
Have a Small Celebration Party
Gather some close friends and family members, or do it with just your family. You can organise a potluck or cook together for simple holiday parties.
Then, play your family’s favourite songs so that everyone can enjoy the moment until the countdown begins.
Of course, nothing beats some family-friendly dancing into the new year. Food, fun, and dancing are always a good combination.
Prepare New Year’s Eve Dinner Together
Plan a family dinner and have the kids help in the kitchen. Making their favourite foods is the best way to get kids excited about cooking, so try letting them choose the menu.
You can even teach your children how to set a proper dining table. Decorate the table with new year’s décor, then place a copy of the menu next to each plate.
Lastly, assist your children in serving the dishes. Everyone will have a good time enjoying the food and each other’s company.
Have a New Year’s Photo Booth
Use your entire living room or a small corner to set up a photo booth à la a new year’s party.
Print some photo booth props or spend a day crafting with the kids to create your own special props. Also, prepare some costumes and outfits so all of you can dress up for the photos!
Whatever you decide, make it enjoyable, silly, and memorable to celebrate the year’s end.
Make Your Own Party Poppers and Noisemakers
Did you know you could make your own noisemakers and party poppers?
Most often, people simply purchase them from stores. However, you could turn this into a kid-friendly craft project to help them celebrate the new year.
You can try making holiday crackers, confetti poppers, noisemaker shakers, or glitter slime by following one of the many DIY tutorials available online.
Just be sure you have a dedicated space for all of these, or just do them outside because things will get messy very quickly! These would be wonderful additions to your new year’s photo booth too.
Make a New Year’s Resolutions List
Your young children may not understand the concept of a New Year’s resolution. So, explain what it is and assist them in making their own list. Collins Dictionary’s definition is excellent for teaching children the meaning of the resolution.
According to the dictionary, a New Year’s Resolution is a promise to oneself or a decision to do something, particularly to improve one’s behaviour or lifestyle in some way, during the coming year.
You can also involve the kids in making a family resolution for the coming year. For example, some new year’s resolutions to strengthen family bonds and get everyone healthier.
View Some Countdown Shows
Depending on where you are in the world, some nations will celebrate the new year earlier than others.
Therefore, you can watch their countdown and new year’s celebration shows online too. Choose some that you can watch with the kids to see how they differ or are similar.
Your children will also be able to witness various fireworks shows! They will undoubtedly be amused.
Now that you’ve got some great New Year’s Eve ideas for you and your kids, let the countdown begin!
10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Happy New Year and may all of your New Year’s Resolutions come true!
Motherhood wishes you and yours a Happy New Year with love! May 2023 be your best year yet.
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