Family Friendly Ways to Ring in the New Year

Since we had our kids, we haven't had an "adult" New Years Eve.  So I decided I would gather a list of ideas for all you for some kid friendly ideas for ringing in the New Years.  


My first suggestion is to check your city.  Many cities have a website with several activities specifically designed for kids.  They are located throughout the city with all ideas designed for specifically for kids.


Many towns with Hockey teams both professional and minor league have games on New Years Eve.  After the game they have open skate and sometimes fireworks.  This is such a fun activity for the kids.  We went one year, and had a blast!  Check the Internet for home games.


I found a website that has family friendly destinations for New Years.  It might be a little late this year, but maybe for next year.


Hosting a family game night is a fun way to spend quality time ringing in the New Year, or close to it.  This way you are home if you have little ones, you can put them down at bedtime.  When I think of game night, I think of board games.  There are the classics like Monopoly and Chutes and Ladders and some new games like Apples to Apples and Argue.  When Steve thinks of games, he thinks of Wii and Xbox.  Some really cool games out for Wii that we love are Dance, Dance Revolution and Just Dance Kids.  Da Freakout played this for an hour the other day.  

Throwing a party that is specially designed for you and your family, is a fun and cute way to ring in the New Year.  


Make t-shirts that read 2011, it's as simple as a puff paint and a t-shirt or you can get fancier with fabric and some heat and bond. 


Make noise shakers using a plastic bottle, some beans, rice or beads.


Make party hats out of paper, and craft supplies you have laying around. 


Make a resolution Magnet  with you kids.  Let them draw a picture of what they want to do for the New Years, then put a magnet on it and put it on the refrigerator as a reminder.  (That might be a good idea for us too *smile*)


Make a funfetti cake with sprinkles on the outside and maybe a cheap decoration from the dollar store.

Make a meal with all of your favorite food, or appetizers, (especially if you plan on watching what you eat in the New Year)  
Give your meal a special name.  The Famous Tucker Family New Year's Chili.  The Watson's Wonderful New Years Wachetti.


If you don't have fireworks for ringing in the New Year, or if it's illegal in your state, use sparklers.  Kids love them, even if you are the one that holds it. 


Be sure to have Sparkling Apple Cider on hand for the little ones and something yummy for you.   I found this adorable recipe on familyfun.go.com, it's so cute!

Grab a spoon and toast the New Year with a cool, sparkly dessert that wiggles.

1. Make bubbly Jell-O according to the directions on a box of Sparkling White Grape Jell-O. Be sure to use club soda, seltzer, or ginger ale and follow the tips on the box for getting the gelatin to sparkle.

2. Chill the Jell-O in champagne flutes or parfait glasses. We suggest making these the day of the party, since they might lose some bubbliness if they're made further ahead. Wind a metallic multicolored star garland (available at party stores) up the stem of the glass for pizzazz.

or this fun punch

• 3 1/2 liters ginger ale
• 2 quarts orange juice
• 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
• 20 maraschino cherries

Directions

1. In a large punch bowl mix ginger ale and orange juice. Place sliced oranges on top of punch and arrange the cherries on top of the orange slices.

For the Adults, this is my Thirsty Thursday Recipe

What you'll need

• 1 (12 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate                            
• 12 ounces champagne
• 8 ounces Sauza® Blanco Tequila
• 4 ounces DeKuyper® Strawberry Liqueur
• 12 ounces water

Directions

1. Pour limeade into pitcher with ice. Fill limeade can with champagne and pour into pitcher. Then fill limeade can with 2/3 Sauza Blanco Tequila and 1/3 DeKuyper Strawberry and pour in. Lastly, add a can of water, stir and serve over ice. Makes 9 delicious drinks, perfect for any ladies night in.
2. Looking for a lighter option? Swap soda water for the champagne and 2 cups of sliced strawberries for the Strawberry Liqueur.

I hope you all have a very safe New Years Eve.  Come back tomorrow for a cabbage recipe!

Love, BJ