There's no denying that celebrating the new year changes in a big way once you become a parent–at least during the early years. Oftentimes it can be hard to find a sitter since everyone you know is probably off partying or out vacationing, but that doesn't mean you have to resolve yourself to a humdrum holiday. There are lots of things you can do with your children to ring in the new year in a special way. So call up your mommy pals, and tell them to pack up their families and come on over for a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration.
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Get dressed up. One of the things I miss most about late-night parties sans kiddo is getting all dolled up. Take this opportunity to ring in the new year in style by making sure everyone in the family is dressed up in their nicest duds. There may even be a shopping trip in order!
Make party hats. To complete the ensembles, grab some craft supplies and help your kids make festive party hats to wear throughout the day and during your party. Make sure there's lots of glitter for everyone.
Celebrate early. If you have very young kids–especially those that are used to an early bedtime–try shifting your party earlier in the day. Your kids will never know the difference and it may save you from a meltdown (or several) caused by overtiredness.
Make a time capsule. Have your kids collect things from around the house that have been special to them in the past year and help them to create a time capsule. Seal it off and then work together to decide on a date to open it back up.
Enjoy festive mocktails. Little ones will be very excited to drink fizzy drinks out of fancy glasses (pick up a pack of plastic flutes). Just buy an assortment of real juice, seltzer, soda and fresh fruit for garnish and let your kids mix up their own fun drinks. Not that you need my permission, but feel free to spike yours.
Set up a photo booth. Grab some fun props–whether from around the house or new things from the store–and set up a DIY photo booth to pass some time and capture memories.
Plan for the future. Take a few minutes to sit down with your spouse and each of your kids to make plans and set goals for the coming year. From trying out for a sports team to your first overseas trip as a family, there are lots of things you can plan to accomplish in the next year.
Have a slumber party. If you'd rather not have your party earlier in the evening, make it a slumber party–complete with pajamas. Set out comfy palates and tasty snacks and camp out in front of the tube, where you'll watch the ball drop.
Create your own ball drop. Make your own New Year's Eve ball using styrofoam and tinsel, hang it somewhere prominent in your home, and when it's time to countdown to the new year, you can do a mock ball drop. Your kids will be so excited to have their very own sparkly ball for the big moment.
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