Ring In 2014 With Your Loved Ones!

 

So eveyone’s getting ready to party as the clock ticks down to midnight, right??

Let’s be honest. Many times the moment is not what it’s cracked up to be. The anticipation of joyous celebration with large peer groups, all partying their asses off while hoping to make the next year great, falls flat on its face. What we get is a consolation prize of bordome, depression and a lack of resolve to make necessary changes.

But that doesn’t have to be the case! You can have a great time at home with a small group of friends or just your family. The important thing to remember is it’s not where you are or what you do, it’s the people you’re with and the memories you make. This post will help you prepare for a meaningful Eve so you can rock the night out and make some great memories. Have fun, stay safe and look forward to the spectacular experiences that lie ahead in 2014!

So without further ado, the TOP 5 Keys To Having A  Great New Year’s Eve!

1. Cook up an amazing meal: Nothing kicks the night off better than some great snacks and drinks. Bowls of chips and dip, veggies and ranch dressing, mini franks on toothpicks are some simple horderves that allow for easy grazing and encourage socializing.

If you are doing a main course, serve it family style so  people can build their own plates and continue mingling. If you’re fancy, bring the restaurant to you! Order some pizzas but add a little class by setting out your fine tableware and lighting some candles. I wouldn’t suggest cooking on new years eve but if you have chosen to bake something special, make it a family event!

• Assign each family member a task and watch out for food fights! “Bam!”

2. Decide together on things to do. There are lots of opportunities to spend fun time together on New Year’s Eve, depending on where you live and the climate. Simply sitting down together and reminiscing over where the past year has taken you each individually and your family as a whole is a great way to spend one part of the night. Other ideas include:

• Taking a walk together as a family. Sharing a walk together can be a great opportunity to share things that might not be discussed just sitting around the house. Confirming a new start. Example: If you’re moving cities, try going to a lookout over the city and saying goodbye, toasting and naming the great memories you’ve shared with it.
• Tasting food or drink. Try various types of wines(juice for the kiddies), chocolates, cheeses, or meats. Have each party-goer rate each food or drink and compare scorecards at the end of the event.
• Playing board games. Set up a major board games night, with some cool prizes for winners and delicious snacks and drinks. Have games suited to all ages so that everyone can join in the fun. 
• Playing physical games such as foosball, air hockey, multi-player video games, table tennis, shooting hoops; anything geared towards active group participation. Award prizes or just keep score; doesn’t matter, as long as there’s plenty of smiles!
• Watching a movie. Watching tv can be a great family activity if it is done right. Choose a really good film, concert or tv show that will entertain and keep the attention of everyone. I prefer DVDs opposed to TV for no commercials and ability to pause for bathroom breaks. This is especially important if you may need to stop and put the kiddies to bed.
• Make a New Year’s resolution together. In a circle, ask everyone to announce their New Year’s resolutions. Many people like to make challenging new goals for the coming year: this can be a good chance to make resolutions that require the help of others. For example, if you want to learn to fish and Uncle Bernie is an excellent fisherman, you could ask him to help you to learn. Or if you want to lose weight, you can ask your family to keep snacks hidden or to try serving healthy new meals.

4. Keep an eye on the time. Have a fantastic idea for the countdown planned well in advance. Choose something that rings in the New Year with a bang and let your neighbors know you’re having more fun than they are. Ideas for celebrating include: Lighting sparklers, drumming on bongo drums, yelling loudly “Happy New Year” together, tooting your car horn or cheering as you dance in the yard. Opening a bottle of bubbly to share with the rest of the family at midnight. A short toast or simple clang of glasses  will mark the moment. Other ideas to ring in the new year:

• Sing Auld Lang Syne and hold the hands of everyone participating. Swing your arms back and forth in time to the song.

• Watching fireworks. If you have fireworks where you live, pack some blankets, a small bag of snacks and stroll over to a grassy area under the stars. Friends, Food and Fireworks = Great Time!

5. Don’t forget the all important kiss! Grab a significant other (or one you wish would be) and give em a big smooch! Mark the occasion with a bang and let the moment be a sign of good things to come.

Things You’ll Need:

• Board games, card games and any other group games. I love pictionary, scatagories, spoons, clue, yatzee, boggle….old school fun!
• DVD of movies, concerts, or Broadway shows.
• Light background music CD’s.
• Delicious Grub: family style main course or finger food. Variety of drinks and sparkling wine. One year we bought some inexpensive wine glasses with the new year on them; also a great memento.
• Noise makers, fireworks, new years hats or other decorations.

Remember, great memories are made NOT by what you do but who you share them with. 

–Breathe Easy–