How to Make New Year’s Eve Über-Cool With Family - Page 9

With Christmas behind us, the last big holiday of the year is New Year’s Eve! Looking for ways to bring in the New Year with your whole family?  Not everything has to be done at midnight. There are many things that can be done on New Year’s Eve in preparation for a good, productive new year. Try these fun  New Year’s Eve activities!

Enjoy!

1. Plan a brunch date with family and friends

Reserve a date for brunch with close family and friends after the morning rush to devour salad, puff pastries and a side of waffles with strawberries!  Go to a restaurant or set up something more informal at your home. Nothing like breaking bread with loved ones.

2. Have a family clean-up day

Have you ever woken up to an unorganized house? The dishes are piled up in the sink, toys are all over the floor and the trash has to be taken out. But you can make it a collaborative effort by pairing up to clean the house on a new years’ eve! Start the year off right with a clean-up day with one person disposing of trash and another mopping the floor and doing the dishes. The best part about getting the whole family involved is that one person isn’t left to handle all the work.

3. Writing-up family resolutions

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to revamp your resolution list. Have you begun to figure out what it is that you want to accomplish, change or do in 2011? Make a list of efforts as a family such as getting motivated to lose weight, getting a brand new car or spending more time together. If you have a goal in mind, write it down!

4. Plan a small get-together at the house

Before the midnight hour, be in great company of those who can celebrate new years with you! Plan a small get-together at the house with close family and friends, catering, holiday decor, party hats and music! Have treats and beverages that are age-appropriate for your guests.

5. Host a costume party

A sideline to the parties edition is to make it more appealing for everyone involved. Host a costume party! Either a special invitation can get you into the party or you could throw one yourself for a close gathering. Dressing up in gaudy or decorative costumes make new years parties all the more fun, celebratory and can we say unpredictable?

6. Go on a shopping spree

This seems to be an annual fixture that some people miss out on – new year’s holiday deals. Check out which of your favorite stores will be issuing discounts and after holiday sales. If you have an eye for fashion, technology or furniture to complete your home, make it a family outing. There could be a new wardrobe you’ve wanted to wear or find a back-to-school outfit your kids will love.  Of course, only buy what you can afford.  Be mindful of your budget!

7. Go to a place of worship

Ring in the new year with a higher power rather than going to a traditional party. It is a perfect way to reflect on the good times, sing and congregate with friends and family. Many religious institutions offer special New Year’s Eve services

9. Travel

Have you wanted to plan a family vacation to the Mediterranean, spend time in mountain-top cabin  or take a cruise to ring in the new year? Make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable by actually booking that trip! Be (financially responsible) and spontaneous!  This is your chance to go big or stay home!

10. Have a game night

Turn your living room into a romper room with a game of Scrabble, Twister or Monopoly! The final moments of the year could become a playful night with lots of laughter to go around. These activities will endure well into the night!

11. Have a movie night

If you’re a self-described movie buff and haven’t chosen the latest film on the shelf, maybe it’s time you crowded around in the living room with a bowl of popcorn! Whether your family loves romantic dramas or a kid-friendly comedy to bring laughter to your ears, this could be an opportunity to catch up on movies and munch on snacks.

12. Go to an upscale restaurant

Spend the last day of the year in opulence. Go to an exquisite restaurant complete with a fantastic ambiance, great food and drinks. You can savor your last bite with family or friends before the new year starts!

13. Watch the ball drop on television

There are so many ways you can watch the ball drop live this year. You can tune into the annual New York City ball drop ceremony in Times Square or find out if your city is having its own countdown. Of course, “package Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on ABC and MTV will air their own segments. Get the party hats, champagne (or sparkling apple cider) and maybe some new years t-shirts to join in the annual tradition!

14. Go for a mother/daughter nail and body spa

Do you remember the last time you treated your mother to something special? A great idea is taking her to a nail salon or body spa to rejuvenate the body just in time for the new year. There are cool, festive toe nail colors you could try or ask a massage expert for a head to toe treatment session.

15. Pop the question!

Without a doubt, the holidays are meant for special occasions. As the icing on the cake, top it off with a proposal! There’s something about surprising her with an engagement ring that gets everyone, including family wrapped up in the affair because it’s the celebration of one’s love. Planning a large gathering at the height of new year’s is an exciting public proposal you wont forget!