How to Ring in the New Year – With and Without Kids

With the numerous holidays taking place at the end of the year, New Year’s Eve stands out as the one lacking depictions as a family event. Almost every film or TV show episode set during New Year’s Eve involves adults doing adult activities, usually at parties without children.
With that in mind, consider these options to help ring in the New Year, with and without kids.

1. Drinks

With Kids: Mocktails and Fruit Juice.

If you’ve got access to lemon-lime soda, some grenadine, and rainbow sherbet, you’ve got a standard mocktail recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone. For adults, mocktails present an easy way to enjoy a beverage with children. For kids, mocktails have the benefit of being presented as a grown-up drink with none of the health and legal problems. Also, mocktail recipes can be easy to find online or created on the fly.

But if mixing any drinks doesn’t seem like fun, consider carbonized fruit juices that bubble like champagne.

Without Kids: Dealer’s Choice.

While moderation in all things should be observed with adult beverages, especially if you plan on going to a party or being out on the town for the night, it’s anything goes in terms of drink options.

And if nothing behind the bar looks enticing, there’s always a mocktail.

2. Being Outdoors

With Kids: Yes.

New Year’s Eve can be one of the most exciting times of the year, which means it’s a good time to get the kids out of the house to burn off some of that holiday energy.
However, if the weather looks bad, don’t go outside. Once it gets dark, keep any outdoor activities going in placers with light sources and adult supervision. If there’s a neighborhood block party going, use your discretion regarding where the kids go. If you happen to be someplace without a lot of light, like a rural area, always keep flashlights and portable light sources handy.

Without Kids: Yes, unless it’s warmer inside.

If the weather outside gets frightful, stay inside where it’s delightful. Unless you live with one of those maniacs that sleeps with the window open during a blizzard. Offer them a mocktail if they’ll close the window.

3. Dinner

With Kids: Keep It Simple.

Traditional New Year’s meals can include pork, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. If dietary requirements prove an issue with these ingredients, keep things simple and make something everyone can enjoy.

One thought on fancy meals: while the prep time on a fancy New Year’s Eve dinner may chew up some time before midnight, a heavy meal might make you fall asleep before the ball drops.

Without Kids: Fancy As You Wanna Be.

You know what sounds easier than making a traditional New Year’s meal with pork, black-eyed peas, and cornbread? A pizza with ham.

4. Going Out

With Kids: Sure.

Depending on where you live, there could be some family-friendly New Year’s Eve events occurring earlier in the day.

Without Kids: Remember to be Patient.

There could be traffic, parking issues, and high prices, but there will definitely be people. Prepare accordingly.

5. Happy Holidays

From all of us to all of you, have a safe and happy holiday season!