Go-Getter!

I’ve linked my decidedly lazy approach to New Year’s Eve below.  Wait, let’s call me minimalist.  Yes, that makes me sound much more purposeful and zen.  Although I don’t do much in the way of activities for the kids on New Year’s Eve, I have had some friends post very fun ideas over the years, so I thought I would share those ‘go-getter’ ideas if you want to take the title of Most Fun Grown-up before the year is over.

Choose Bedtime as New Year’s

If you’re counting down to the new year, and you have younger kids, kids without an awareness of time or kids who benefit from a set bedtime – there is no reason you can’t ring in the new year with them at 8PM and then tuck them in as usual.

Go with the Theme

If you want to create some fun activities for your kids, google New Year’s Eve activities for kids and choose whatever you think your kids would like. You know my preference would be to go with the theme. That way, your kids learn about the idea of turning the page to a new year.

My Favorites

I love the idea of doing a time capsule each year and opening it the next year. One family we know has a big whiteboard and they have a different activity for each hour counting down to the new year. Clearing the furniture to the sides of the room and blowing up lots of balloons can set the stage for a fun dance party!

I saw one idea posted that I thought might genuinely appeal to lots of our kids. They had a paper lunch sack labeled with each hour counting down to their new year (I think they chose 9PM). Each paper bag had activities: coloring pages, small board games like Uno, etc… I love this for a few reasons. First, it is tailored to your child. Second, you can use lots of things you already have around the house. Third, it is educational because you are practicing telling time. Fourth, it appeals to our kids love of predictability and structure…but it embraces the fun too!

Or

If you’re in the slow lane with me, I mean, if you embrace my minimalist zen philosophy on New Year’s Eve, …