When you have children, sometimes the easiest thing to do is host a kid-friendly party. Most of your family and friends likely have families as well and are looking for something to do. Here are a few ideas.
Early Celebration
If you have a lot of younger children in the group, then a party that rings in the new year before midnight may be a welcome event.
- Ring in the new year at six p.m. complete with noise makers, hugs, shouts and cheers.
- For younger kids, it’s all about the excitement and the noisemakers. Add these things and they’ll never realize they should have stayed up until midnight.
- Make sure everyone gets home safe before drunk drivers get on the roads.
Sleep Palettes
If your group wants to celebrate at midnight or even beyond, have a quiet spot where little ones who are tired can take a nap. Some sleeping bags on a cousin’s bedroom floor can work nicely. You may also want to reserve a quiet bedroom for any nursing moms to retire for a bit with babies.
Fun Activities to Incorporate
There are some things that are fun for everyone. Even children as young as four or five can participate in these activities:
- What was your favorite thing in the past year?
- What is your greatest wish for next year?
- What do you predict will happen in the coming year?
- Create a time capsule to open next year
- Gather headlines from the previous year and read them
- Pray for loved ones in the coming year
- Make a wish and light Chinese lanterns, releasing them into the night sky at midnight
- Write out three or four acts of kindness you’ll complete in the coming year, such as helping an elderly neighbor or visiting a children’s hospital to read to the children
To Booze or Not to Booze?
This is a personal decision. There are many reasons not to mix alcohol and an event with children present, but every family is different. Some can drink responsibly and keep the alcohol out of children’s hands.
If you do choose to have alcohol present, monitor the sober status of everyone and keep out of reach of children. If necessary, take away car keys and require people to stay until they are sober. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Happy New Year!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, have a safe and happy new year. May 2016 be more successful, happier, and filled with amazing memories for you and your family.
