New Year's Celebrations for Families

Updated July 28, 2007

When you're young and single, New Year's Eve seems to be about going out with friends, making lots of noise, drinking half the night, finding somebody to kiss at midnight, and coming home early in the morning with a hangover. As you get older and build a family, the celebration gets a bit tamer.

If you have kids, try having a family celebration. Invite the neighbor's, family, and friends (especially if they have children too).

Pajama Party!
If you have children who probably won't be able to stay awake until midnight, make it a pajama party (and EVERYONE must wear pajamas, even adults). Kids who fall asleep can easily be taken home and tucked into bed, or if you're daring, you can plan a big sleepover. Make sure you have a comfy location for tiny sleeping kids who pass out before the night is over.
Photo Opportunity
Throughout the celebration, take pictures (the more the better, so I suggest using a digital camera to avoid film costs). The day after the party, you can share them with your guests by printing them out yourself or uploading them to an online photo service, so guests can pick the photos they want and have them printed and delivered for a small fee.
Build Your Own Sandwich Feast
Hoagies / subs work best, but be sure you have plain old sandwich bread for picky eaters. Get together various cheeses, meats, vegetables, nut butters, jams, condiments, dipping broths, and so forth. Everyone will be sure to have something they enjoy eating.
Alcohol Free Celebrations
Instead of beer and champagne, have root beer in frosty mugs and sparkling apple cider in fancy glasses.
Game Time
Have games for all ages. Pictionary is great for anyone who can draw basic pictures. You can have adult teams and kid teams and assign words and phrases to draw according to skill level. Simon says, hot potato, and Twister are great for kids of all ages and adults who are willing to let the kids win. Offer prizes for winners only if the kids are older; small kids cry when they don't win the prize.
Craft Time
Have everyone make their own noisemakers, hats, streamers, balloon puppets, or other celebration related items.
Countdown
Everyone count down the seconds to midnight, and welcome the new year with a cheer and your noisemakers.