This past year was not easy for anyone. It’s been full of challenges we thought we were going to leave in 2020. But 2021 was full of surprises, struggles, beautiful memories, and a lot of frustrations, too. We know that many years are full of a variety of experiences like this, but this year has been uniquely hard on parents.
While there’s no way for us to know how 2022 is going to play out — other than we know some more struggles are ahead — we all deserve to celebrate the new year coming in. Many of us still won’t be able to get together with family, friends, or go out to celebrate with the community, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time.
Celebrations are happening in full force and even if people can’t be together in person, they can still be together in spirit and ring in the new year like never before. Check out our ideas for a super fun New Year’s Eve at home.
Family Game Night — Amped Up
Not just a family game night, but an all-out, end of the year, epic family game night to end all game nights. Play Twister and Clue with the kids until “midnight” (aka 9 p.m., don’t be afraid to change those clocks ahead). Then, after the kids go to bed, play naked Twister and drinking games and make even more memories.
Party Like a Rock Star Karaoke/Rock Band
A rousing game or 20 of Rock Band is fun that the whole family can get in on. Who doesn’t love singing their favorite songs at the top of their lungs? It’s a great way to relieve some tension, bond, and laugh and that's a great way to ring in the new year and ensure we're starting it off on the right foot …
Zoom Party
The family might not be at the house but grandma and grandpa can join the celebration via Zoom. Why stop there? Invite family and friends and let the good times roll. Relive the most memorable moment of 2021, celebrate the good things that happen, hold space for the hard times, and enjoy each other's (virtual) company.
Dress Up
Just because this year's celebration isn't likely to be exactly what we want it to be, that doesn't mean we can't have fun like it is. Let's have a reason to dress up in our best clothes. Why not say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in the fanciest outfits in the closet? Whether it's our LBD or the most elegant pastel one, live it up and take lots of photos.
Dance Party
A dance party is always a good idea. It's fun, gets the heart rate going, and releases those endorphins that help us feel happy and hold on to those memories later. When people are this happy, who has time to be sad about the new normal? No one, so dance like no one’s watching — because literally no one is.
Fireworks
Whether it’s sparklers or grand scale fireworks, everyone feels more celebratory when fireworks are involved. What says "watch out world it’s about to be on like Donkey Kong" more than a night sky full of beautiful explosives, in every color of the rainbow? We know these are typically reserved for a few other holidays, but a new year is a good reason, too.
Fancy Dinner
No more of this pizza 2021 solution to everything. End the year on a high note. Either pick up carry out of the fanciest food imaginable or play chef for the night and exercise those culinary skills. Set the table and fine dine the night away in the comfort of home and think of all those memories that will be made.
Champagne & Hors D'Oeuvres
Maybe a full sit-down dinner is not the vibe for 2020. How about popping some corks and decadently grazing on fancy hors d'oeuvres until 2021 arrives to save the day? Maybe not, but why not start the new year off with a full belly of tasty treats and bubbly? Kids don’t have to be left out — sparkling cider is perfect for anyone under 21 to celebrate.
Resolution Jar
Wishes will never become reality without setting some hard and fast goals. Grab a pen and paper and write it down. Then shove it in that jar and every once in a while, pull out a resolution just as a reminder. Manifest what you want this year by putting it into the world, and those dreams and wishes may come true.
Confetti & Kisses at Midnight
At the bare minimum, New Year’s Eve needs to feel special and different than the other days of the year. It’s the end of something and a symbolic new beginning for something else. It needs to be celebrated and there’s just about nothing as fun as confetti cannons and kisses with loved ones at midnight to give all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
Decadent Desserts
They say people are what they eat. Well, why be a basic b—- when there’s tiramisu or chocolate blackout cake? Forget about playing it safe this New Year’s Eve, throw caution to the wind and do what feels good and treat yourselves to the decadent treats and leave the guilty feelings in the past.
Create an Insta Wall
If there are teens who love TikTok and the 'Gram in the house, why not have a little fun and create a fancy NYE wall for photos? Not only will it inspire awesome Insta shots, think of all the fun to be had acting silly and laughing together in front of that wall. There are so many different creative ways this could go.
Wear a Fancy Tiara
After this year, everyone deserves to feel special. It’s been one heck of a year and we all need to blow off a little steam. Order fancy headwear online for everyone in the house and live it up pretend style at home. If tiaras aren't available or the family wants something different, fascinators are cool, too. Be that queen and don’t be afraid to rock that crown.
Au Revoir 2021 Bonfire
We were hopeful this year would have been better than the last but for many people it was a straight up dumpster fire, there's nothing more appropriate than to throw this year a farewell bonfire. A fun idea to symbolically cleanse oneself of the year may be to write down all the unsavory things experienced in the past year, throw each one into the fire and then watch it burn.
Pajama Party
Of course, maybe fancy dress and over-the-top celebrations aren't everyone’s cup of tea. That’s fine. A family pajama party packed full of snacks and a movie marathon could be just what the doctor ordered. Time to put those family Christmas pajamas to use once more, get as cozy as could be and start the new year off on the right foot.
Bake Cookies
Baking cookies tends to be more of a holiday thing around Christmas, but if the family’s eaten all those cookies (or lets be honest, there’s always room for more), spending New Years eve baking cookies is a wonderful way to make memories. Cookies can be in all shapes and tastes, and enjoyed with a glass of milk or champagne.
Do New Years Crafts
Some of us parents aren’t big on crafts, and that’s OK. But if it’s something the family enjoys — or can be tolerated for a few hours once a year — there are lots of New Year-themed crafts that the kids can have fun with. Think things like slime, play dough, and photo frames that can be used or played with the next day, too, when everyone’s tired.
Make Noise Poppers
When the clock strikes midnight, having noise makers and poppers to celebrate and ring in the new year can be so much fun. The best part of all of this is that the kids can have lots of time during the day to create their own and customize it just for themselves. There are simple ones made of paper and more elaborate ones, too.
Have a Fun Photo Shoot
This could be a really fun thing to make a tradition, trying a new photo shoot each year. Set up fun and silly backdrops, create or purchase fun props like glasses, hats, and funny phrases and have the best time being as playful as possible. The photos would be so fun to look back on after several years — so many memories.
Have a Themed Scavenger Hunt
There's nothing quite like a scavenger hunt to keep the kids and adults having a good time. This one will take some extra planning beforehand, but there are so many different ways to make it tailored to the family and extra fun. Include things like top hats, party poppers, the clock striking midnight. This would be fun to do when watching NYE-themed movies or TV shows, too!
