One very special way to make family memories is to have a annual family New Year’s Eve Party. The entire family is included from the youngest child to the oldest elder. The annual event brings a family closer together and creates bonds that transcend generations.
For decorations get the kids together and have them make some simple decorations to set around the home. The chain link ropes made from paper are simple for every child to create. Purchase a few hats, noisemakers, and confetti. Confetti can also be made by cutting up colored tissue and other assorted papers.
To keep the menu simple and not all work for mom or dad consider having pizza either ordered in or making small individual ones and everyone can add their own toppings. Along the same vein sub sandwiches can be made by all again with just the toppings you like. Be sure to have some sparkling juice, water or for the adults champagne on had for that toast at midnight. A few sweets are always appreciated either with candy or cookies. New Year’s cut out cookies can be made ahead of time and saved and set out especially for this night. Children (and adults) enjoy decorating the cookies as clocks, glasses, numbers (2009 and 2010), party hats and other festive symbols.
Some suggested activities might be:
- Play a favorite board game, a card game or others that everyone knows and enjoys.
- Talk about favorite memories of years past. Grandparents and parents can pass down stories of New Year’s Eve of years gone bye.
- Share thoughts of what was liked best about 2009 and what is being anticipated for 2010. Acknowledge milestones in every one’s life. Remember child’s first day of kindergarten, the adoption of a new and cherished pet, the teenager date, the parents job promotion, and the grandparents observations of all the daily happenings. It can also be a time to remember the memories of those special people in our lives that are no longer with us.
- Wrap and hide a token gift for each member. Include a little something special for each individual along a small scroll of wishes for the recipient. If the adults do not want to “hunt” their gift the younger children will surely oblige and enjoy looking for “Mom’s” or “Granddad’s gift”. For gift wrapping use shiny metallic paper, ribbon and glitter to add the ambiance of the night.
- Take a family photo and records this moment in time. In future New Year’s Eve celebration that photo will trigger memories of a time well spent as a family.
At midnight share a toast, a song, a memory, a kiss, a hug, and some noise. The children will delight in being included and the adults will cherish the memories that are being created as a family. Creating and enjoying a family New Year’s Eve party is one wonderful way to start the New Year off with love and laughter.
