IDEAS FOR NEW YEARS EVE

Let's face it, once you add kids to the mix, it's a little

harder to have a New Year's Eve out on the town with

friends.  Why not celebrate at home and include the

whole family? Here are a few family-friendly ways to

ring in the New Year all together! 

Countdown to Midnight .... if you want to!

When you're celebrating with little ones, there's no reason

you have to keep them up until midnight! Some families

celebrate at noon (mid-day) or choose another hour to countdown

to that's better for the young ones. Make it exciting by

opening a small gift every hour or popping a balloon

as you get closer to midnight!

START A NEW TRADITION

Whether it's a special recipe, kid-friendly drink, game

or activity, New Year's Eve is a great time to start a new family

tradition! Involve the kids in coming up with something your

family will do every year and they will love participating even more.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

New Year's Eve is a great time to get out that new  board game you

got for Christmas! There are plenty of family games that the whole

group can enjoy. Find the ever-popular Minute-to-Win-It type games

online for a fun way to fill the time while you wait for the ball to drop!

DIY PARTY FAVOURS

Let the kids decorate their own New Year's party hats!

These custom hats are made with black paper and chalk markers.

Add some glittery garland or chenille stems and you'll all be

looking very festive for the New Year!

HOST A MOVIE PARTY

Whether it's a new release or an old family favourite, a

movie night with popcorn and treats is a fun way to ring in

the New Year! Make sure to preview the movie or read

family-friendly reviews to make sure it's appropriate for

all your guests. 

SERVE SOMETHING SPECIAL

Make the evening special by serving up something

out of the ordinary. Kids will love to dip fruit,

bread, marshmallows and other treats in chocolate or

cheese fondue. Or how about cookies made with

number cookie cutters that spell out 2015? 

REFLECT ON THE YEAR

The end of the year is a great time to reflect and

remember all that has happened in your family. Pull out

the photo albums or make a slideshow on your smartphone or

tablet and have a viewing party! It would be a great time

to write down your goals for the next year or send thank you

cards to family and friends for holiday gifts!