Our New New Year’s Eve Tradition
Since becoming a mom, I’ve always been in awe of young children who stay up (Or are even briefly woken up!) to ring in the new year. I probably feel this way because:
A) My husband and I can barely stay awake
B) My kids get super cranky if they don’t get enough sleep &
C) My kids hate to be woken up, like, a lot.
Even before having kids, my husband and I have never been much for going out on New Year’s Eve. But I am a sucker for traditions and for starting new ones. So, the past couple of years we’ve celebrated “Noon Year’s Eve” with the kids.
So, What is Noon Year’s Eve?
Noon Year’s Eve is a kid friendly celebration of the new year at some point before bedtime. Sure you can do it right at noon, but 5pm works too!  For this celebration, remind yourself that kids don’t need fancy things. Just fun! These are my suggestions, but you plan your celebration however you’d like!
A Simple New Year’s Eve with Kids
Set the Scene
Black, Gold or Confetti’s Themed Decor:Get a gold, black, or confetti patterned  plastic tablecloth from the dollar store. While you’re there, grab some plastic champagne flutes for your apple juice toast, and some festive plates and napkins. Last year I found gold tone paper plates and I have plenty left over to use this year. I also have accumulated a few other New Year’s decorations over the years, banners and the like, and I hang them up around the house to get into the New Year spirit.
Make Some Noise
Hats, Noisemakers, Crowns, etc.: Kids love to dress up and make noise. You can usually find New Year’s “kits” in stores, with noisemakers, hats and leis. And of course, you can, get all these fun supplies from our friend Amazon too. While you’re at it, you may  want to add some earplugs to your cart too. (Those noisemakers can feel a lot like nails on a chalkboard to your ears, but kids love them!)
Raise a Glass
Mocktail Hour: Cocktails are out (for the kids at least), but family ‘mocktails’ are just as fun! Get fancy, or keep it simple. Last year we “toasted” to the new year with apple juice in plastic champagne flutes.  The kids got a real kick out of drinking from their “fancy”  glasses. Use whatever your family likes: ginger ale, sparkling fruit juice, your favorite smoothie, or whatever else your kids dream up.  We also usually have a “snack” lunch or dinner, – A.K.A. kid friendly h’ors douevres. Think apple slices with peanut butter and raisins, pigs in a blanket, heck, throw some bagel bites out there! Kids don’t care what is on the table! They just think having an out of the ordinary “meal’ of their favorite stuff is pretty cool. Last year we had a potato chip “tasting party.” We all had a lot of laughs trying some of the crazy flavors out there and the kids didn’t stop talking about it for days.
The Final Countdown
Find a pre-recorded kid-friendly New Year’s countdown: YouTube is a good place to start. Netflix and other streaming services usually have their own too. You may even be able to find a video from another part of the world that has already rung in the new year. At the end of the countdown share hugs and kisses, make lots of noise with those noisemakers and toast to the new year ahead of you. Then dance it out. (Because every good party should have a little dancing.)
I love celebrating Noon Years Eve with our kids because it’s a fun way for us to celebrate  the holiday, without creating cranky kids the next day. Plus, who doesn’t love to eat snacks and use a noisemaker or two? Just don’t forget those earplugs… I promise you’ll thank me late!
Cheers to the NOON Year!