I don’t know about you…but I’m not much of a partier when it comes to New Year’s Eve. I live in a small military town and the closest large city is about an hour away. Traveling with children can be a headache, especially on one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Whether you are celebrating as a family or by yourself, New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be boring… not by a long shot! Thankfully, you don’t have to go out in order to find fun ways to bring in the new year. Here are some creative ways to have fun and make some special memories, even from home.

Fun ways to bring in the New Year as a Family:

There are so many things you can do at home with your family to celebrate the New Year. Here is a list of fun ways to bring in the New Year with your family: 

• Make a memory board of all your favorite moments of 2019
• Go to church with your family to remember the blessings that have been given to you and yours
• Have a PJ dance party (Bonus points for jamming out to your top 2019 Spotify playlist! ) 
• Make all your favorite snacks and have a movie marathon
• Make a confetti bar to ring in the new year
• Take photos to capture all your favorite moments
• Have a sit-down family dinner
• Make hot chocolate with marshmallows, sprinkles, and whip cream
• Play board games/ have an indoor treasure hunt
• Get some photo props to take funny photos
• Make DIY noise makers and decorations
• Make a blanket fort
• Make your own balloon drop
• Milk and cookies toast for kids let them cheers to the new year too
• Make countdown bags to open every hour, fill these bags with treats, disposable cameras, and craft kits.
• Sing karaoke as a family
• If you have little ones that have a bedtime, find a video online from a different time zone, so they can still do the countdown.
• Bake something yummy

Fun Ways to Bring in the New Year With Friends: 

If you don’t have kids or have young ones that go to bed early, ask some friends to come over and they can help you celebrate without going out. Remember to be responsible if you choose to have alcohol. Make sure transportation arrangements are made prior to your get together.

• Make it a BYOA (Bring your own appetizer) [1]
• For all adults that are over 21, serve champagne and sangrias for the midnight toast
• Have a sleepover, so no one is driving home after drinking, and/or spending money on an uber
• Sing karaoke 
• Play board games
• Take Polaroid photos to capture all your favorite moments with your friends.
• Make it a themed party, such as the roaring 20s, the classic 80s, hip-hop ’90s
• Movie marathon
• Have everyone make their own predictions for the new year
• Make fun snacks and drinks
• If you have friends and family that are from different cultures, throw a party that celebrates all of them. This can be everyone dresses up from their culture or they can bring a native dish.

Fun Ways to Bring in the New Year With Yourself:

Whether you are single or just craving a relaxing time in, there are still plenty of ways you can have a fun solo time bringing in the New Year. Don’t feel guilty or sad that you are spending New Year’s alone.  Sometimes, alone time can be the best thing to help you feel like your best and healthiest self. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should celebrate, it’s your life! 

• Make (or order) your favorite meal
• Watch your favorite movies while eating your favorite snacks
• Get crafty and make something that helps you remember what you love.
• Learn something new, whether that be a new craft, food, or language 
• Start a new journal or write a letter to your future self to open in a year.
• Change your hair just because you want to
• Online shopping without the guilt
•  Sleep in or go to bed early
• Start a new book or video game [2]
• Redo your living space
• Face time with family or friends that can’t be with you
• Set your resolution and write down how to maintain it 
• Reflect on all the accomplishments you made in the past year
• Take a bath
• Workout
• Go for a walk
• Volunteer

New Year’s is one of the most magical times of the year. Everyone is celebrating in unique ways through fireworks, music, friends, parties, alone time, or other traditions. Whether you choose to celebrate alone, with your family and friends, or out on the town; remember to stay safe and be responsible. Celebrating from home can be just as fun and special as going out. Do whatever makes you excited to celebrate. Hopefully, you found some inspiration on some fun ways to bring in the new year. 

From myself and everyone at Safe Harbor International Ministries, we wish you a Happy New Year! Thank you for being apart of our year.

Written by Jessica Christian, a blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.

Sources:

1. https://holidappy.com/holidays/11-Ideas-to-Spend-New-Years-Eve-When-Youre-Alone
2. https://www.moneycrashers.com/new-years-eve-party-ideas/
3. https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-New-Year%27s-Eve-at-Home-With-Your-Family
4. https://mixingbowlkids.typepad.com/family_bites/2011/05/milk-and-cookies-cocktails.html
5. https://ideas.evite.com/diy/diy-balloon-drop/

Safe Harbor Links: 

1. https://safeharborim.com/best-new-years-resolution-ideas/
2. https://safeharborim.com/how-to-give-back-during-the-holidays/ 
3. https://safeharborim.com/yummy-holiday-recipe-ideas-for-everyone/