New Year's Eve looks a whole lot different once you have kids, but that doesn't mean you can't still have a fun night.
1. FIRST NIGHT HARRISONBURG. First Night Harrisonburg was designed for families and this year it will be a free (and final) event. Check their website here to see the schedule for more information.
2. Watch home videos. Gather all those home videos you've filmed since the kids were born—especially from the past year—and watch them together on December 31. Enjoy a family meal in between viewings and share your favorite memories from the past year.
3. Try a new type of food for dinner. Be adventurous for the special occasion. Fondue is a great meal for kids and adults to enjoy together—who doesn’t love melted cheese? There’s even a fun tradition with a fondue meal: if you lose your piece of bread in the pot, tradition says you have to kiss the person on your left, kiss everyone at the table, or pay a forfeit decided by others at the table. You can even have chocolate fondue for dessert, which will pair perfectly with a champagne toast for the adults!
4. Have a family slumber party. Drag all the blankets and pillows into the living room and set up camp for the night. Rent movies to watch, play board games and maybe let the kids pick out snacks that are normally off-limits. Have fun seeing who is still awake at midnight!
5. Celebrate another country’s New Year. Are your kids too young to make it to midnight? Pick a country whose midnight is easier for little ones to stay awake for and celebrate at that time. Set your clocks for the revised countdown. You can even make themed decorations and cook food from that country. Some countries have great New Year's traditions to add to your own. It's a Greek custom to serve Vasilopita (New Year's Cake) at midnight. This special cake is baked with a coin or charm hidden inside. The head of the household cuts the cake exactly at midnight and whoever receives the piece with the coin will have good fortune throughout the year
6. Have littles who won't be able to stay up until midnight? Celebrate with your own Noon Year's Eve celebration -- they don't need to know it's 12:00pm and not 12:00am.
7. Invite another family over for a party. Make your own New Year’s party right in the comfort of your own home. It’ll seem even more festive by inviting another family with kids over to join in the fun. Have everyone dress up as if you’re going to a fancy party—dresses, suits, even gloves and hats, and have a dance party to ring in the new year.
8. Turn your Christmas tree into a "Resolution tree". Putting away the Christmas decorations can be a bittersweet activity. Instead of taking down all of the decorations, just take down the ornaments. Have kids write down resolutions like eating healthier or getting good grades and tie these to the tree. Now your Christmas tree is a Resolution tree!
9. Take a trip. This is the perfect time to get out of town. Even if you keep it low-key, different surroundings will make your night feel festive. Ski resorts are a great option—some of them have New Year’s Eve activities geared specifically for families.
10. Remember to toast! Whether you want to cheers with sparkling grape juice, a root beer float or even just a glass of milk, ringing in the brand-new year just wouldn't be complete without a little *clink.*
SEASON'S GREETINGS
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