I scoured the internet, researched, and took suggestions for ideas on how to have an at home family celebration for New Year’s eve. Keeping kids in mind, I whittled it down to what I think are the 5 best.
Put together a Time Capsule. Have each family member pick an item or two to put away for 10 to 20 years. Also have everyone write a message to their future self and/ or to the other family members. It will be something special to unveil down the road for memories and to see how much you’ve all changed.
Wish Upon A Star. Create cutout stars and write down a wish for the new year on each one. Kids can hang them in their rooms to motivate them to make it happen.
Make a special dinner that the kids can help make. Then the whole family either dress up in fancy clothes or everyone put on pajamas.
Make and open Countdown Treat Bags. Have the kids help decorate some simple small paper bags for the new year. One for each kid per hour. Then, parents put surprise treats in each bag. We’re talking party hats, special books, edible treats, and anything fun. Let the kids open a new bag each hour leading up to midnight or bedtime.
Make a Memory Jar. Have everyone write down favorite memories from the year onto strips of paper and put them all into a jar. Pull a couple out each hour to reminisce. Make it a game by guessing who wrote each one.
Here are some fun and easy to put together family game ideas too.