Welcome 2011
Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 by Lucy & Michael
Every year we wonder how to usher in the new year with little people in tow. Whether we’re spending the whole New Year’s Eve with them, shipping them off to their grandparents, or doing a little of both, we always seem to be looking for fun ways to mark the occasion together and to make the changeover special.
So in the spirit of planning ahead so that we’re not stuck at 5 p.m. on December 31 wondering what in the world to do, here are some of our favorite ideas…
Family Manicures – We love one friend’s idea that the whole family – dad included – goes to get manicures together late in the afternoon on December 31. Now, this friend has three girls, so manicures with daddy work brilliantly for her. Everyone’s together and relaxed – what could be better?
Resolutions Book – A few years ago, we started keeping a New Year’s journal. Every New Year’s Eve, we sit down as a family and read the book, remembering past resolutions and talking about the ways we’ve kept them (or not!). Then, we take turns writing our resolutions for the coming year. Some are grown-up (I will create more of a balance between work and play), some are family-oriented (I will be nicer to my sister; I will be more patient), and some are just personal (I will enjoy the little things).
Party! – For those of us who just need to have a party, here are a few ideas to make it fun:
- Serve everyone’s favorite – make-your-own pizza, homemade mac and cheese, or spaghetti with meatballs. Make it special by sitting at the dining room table or maybe on the floor in front of the fireplace.
- Make noisemakers by covering the ends of empty toilet paper rolls with paper, then taping it down. Fill with pennies, and tape the other end shut. Decorate with markers, paper “fringe” (paper strips cut halfway through with straight lines to make fringe), and sparkles.
- Serve “mocktails” in light-up glasses found at Party City or any party store. Try Sprite mixed with the juice from a maraschino cherry jar, topped with a cherry and maybe a sprig of mint.
- Streamers hung all around and across the room make any day a celebration!
Let us know what other ideas you have…we’d love to hear!
