When I was young, we gathered around the TV and watched holiday movies on New Year’s Eve. While movies can be worked into any great tradition, there are many creative and fun ways to ring in the new year. Kids can’t usually stay up until the ball drops at midnight, but that doesn’t mean they should have to sacrifice any of the fun. Here are some easy activities for you and yours to enjoy this upcoming New Year’s Eve:

• Make Time Capsules: The container can be anything you have lying around the house (a mason jar or shoe box covered in wrapping paper will do the trick!). Everyone can either make their own time capsule or you can make a joint family time capsule. Some ideas for what to include inside…
  • Letter to self or list of favorite things
  • Family and school photos
  • Mementos from trips
  • Holiday memories
  • Any small toys they want to save until next year

To help them understand the concept of time, you can set an appointment for next year on the calendar. They can ask to see the appointment at any point throughout the year and you can show them how many months are left.

• Set up a Photo Booth: Whether you have a Polaroid camera or want to print photos from your cell phone at CVS the next day, this is a fun activity for all ages. Most craft stores sell photo booth packages that supply everything needed in one set. You can hold crazy glasses, hats, mustaches, and more up to your face with ease.

• Decorate Party Supplies: You can set up a DIY decorating table for hats, horns, and other New Year’s Eve decorations. Decorations can be bought at the Dollar Store so you don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time.

• Make Resolutions: Help them write resolutions and put their lists on the fridge. Every child can have different color paper so it will be easy to identify and check in.

• Have a Toast: Kids deserve to toast the New Year as well! Have some milk and cookies on hand, or some sparkling cider for any older kids. Since they will most likely have to go to bed before midnight, find a country that is ahead our time for toasting time. London would be celebrating midnight at 7PM and Paris at 6PM.

• Watch the Balloons Drop: Since the ball drops at midnight on TV, tie up a big bag of balloons to let loose at midnight in your living room. It will be something uniquely experienced to your family and avoid any cranky kids who tried to stay up too late.

Are there any fun traditions you have that aren’t on this list?

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