New Year’s Eve isn’t exactly a crazy party in our house. Andy and I do make a point of staying up until midnight together to wish each other a Happy New Year, a tradition we’ve had since we began dating and now, despite the over-tired feeling we have in the morning, is a habit neither of us are willing to break.
The kids don’t stay up with us but that doesn’t mean we can enjoy celebrating the New Year with them a little earlier in the day. Here are a few ideas for a kid-friendly celebration!
1- Decide on an early ‘midnight’ time
Maybe the countdown is for 8 pm or 9 pm. Whatever the case, select a new ‘midnight’ to celebrate, and count down the last few seconds with the kids.
2- Bring on the Noise
Noise makers are fun for the kids! Once you have your countdown, be sure to pull out the noise makers to celebrate! Interested in making your own?
CREATE YOUR OWN: Decorate the backs two paper plates. Add a few dried beans to the bottom of one plate. Lay out streamers or ribbon along the edge of the of the plate. Staple the other plate over top. That’s it!
3- Set up a Snack Station
Setting up a snack buffet is always a hit with kids. Popcorn, pretzels, candy treats are easy to lay out. Add some veggies and dips (in little cups if you like!) to make it easy for small hands to grab at. Use small bowls for each kid or brown paper bags and let them fill them up! Here are some recipes for mini chicken bites and flavoured popcorn!
4- Pick a Movie or Show
Entertainment can include whatever you want, but we are a family that loves snuggling with a movie or TV show. Interested in checking out something new? Netflix has a whole bunch of movies that will be perfect for everyone, plus they just launched the new show All Hail King Julien (yes, THE King Julien from the Madagascar movies) which is sure to be a hit.
**UPDATE: Netflix now has a special King Julien New Year’s Eve countdown! Visit your account to watch it at anytime with the kiddos before bed!
5- Write a list of 2015 Goals
Resolutions are hard enough for adults to keep, let alone children, so instead, work together as a family to select goals for the year. Maybe there’s a place everyone wants to visit, or a type of food the family wants to try together. Whatever the case, write them out and during the year you can refer everyone back to the list!
How are you celebrating New Year’s Eve with the kids?
Whatever you are doing, have fun!
Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Netflix Canada and I receive special perks because of it, however, as usual all opinions are my own.
