Five Unique Ideas for Celebrating New Year's Eve as a Family

Make a family bucket list

Sometimes the year passes so quickly, we forget to do all the things we wanted to do as a family. This year, make it a goal to get your family wishes down on paper! Choose a time to get together as a family and talk about what you loved about this year. What were the best family activities? Vacation memories? Weekly family traditions?

Pop some popcorn and enjoy reflecting on a year of memories as a family. Then, think about what you want out of the coming new year. Encourage everyone to come up with an idea or two, or ten, to put on the family bucket list. If this was the best year ever, what would you want to accomplish and experience as a family? You could type it up and post it on the fridge, make a large poster to hang somewhere prominent in the house, or write the list on a family chalkboard.

Throw a “favorite” movies of the year party

Want to ring in the new year with the family? Throw a party celebrating your favorite movies of the year. Have a fun and easy family dinner like a pizza, taco, or hamburger bar. Bake cookies and pop popcorn, grab blankets, and snuggle on the couch watching the family’s favorite movies from the year.

Make a gratitude jar

Start the new year with gratitude by making a gratitude jar. This is a simple way to notice and appreciate the little things in life. All you need is some pens, a pad of paper, and a large jar. Colorful paper pads and an attractive container like a blue mason jar make this something that can add beauty to the kitchen counter or family room.

For the new year, spend some time explaining the jar to the family and writing your first notes. Each time a family member has something to be thankful for, he or she writes the item down on a slip of paper, folds it up, and sticks it in the gratitude jar. You decide as a family when to review all the notes of appreciation. Weekly? Monthly? Or at other points in the year? Create a family tradition that allows everyone to realize the great benefits of gratitude and love.

Throw a photo booth party at home

Everyone loves a photo booth! Celebrate the new year with a photo booth party. The kids will have a blast and you’ll have memories to cherish throughout the years. There are plenty of ways to make an awesome photo booth backdrop – bright colored paper from your local art store, a fun shower curtain, backdrops purchased online or from a party store, or tablecloths. Hang a backdrop somewhere bright and gather fun props to use in photos. The kids could make props using craft sticks and paper or you can buy props online and at party stores. Maybe you get really crazy and take photos with different costumes. Celebrate the countdown to the new year and snap a lot of photos while you’re at it!

Ring in the new year with a gala

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time for a family gala. Fancy food, drinks, and dress can be part of the celebration, even with the littles! Let the kids put on their best dress up gowns and tiaras. Serve fancy “mocktails” from champagne flutes. Have a dinner featuring hors d'oeuvres passed from pretty trays. Decorate the house with streamers, shiny tinsel, and Happy New Years! décor. Play music and dance the night away. This is also a great time to set up a photo booth and take pictures to commemorate another year as a family.