5 Tips for New Year’s Eve With Kids {Fun, Easy and Early to Bed}

Way back last February I got the most fun, out-of-the-blue request: my first magazine interview! (I say “first” as though other interviews had followed; they have not — ha!) Anyway, I was still very excited to hear from Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine. Apparently, this was originally a full-length article but it got edited down to five fun New Year’s Eve with kids ideas.

1. Eat for luck

Why not stack the deck in your family’s favor? Serve up some cornbread (for gold), pomegranate seeds (for prosperity), and long noodles (for longevity). Can’t hurt!

2. Make predictions

Write everyone’s best guesses for the future (“Sophia stars in the play this spring”). Pack them up with the decorations to giggle over next year.

3. Remember big moments

Tape paper to a wall, mark off months, and jot down your family’s major milestones this past year. It’s an instant keepsake.

4. Throw a (small) bash

Invite your child’s best buddy (or three). Stave off snoozing with a mini dance party or a DIY activity every hour on the hour.

5. Switch time zones

Not sure you all will last? Join the countdown in another city—say, London—and celebrate when it’s midnight over there.

Want even more New Year’s Eve party ideas for kids?

Revisit this post.

Check out some of my favorite New Year’s Eve parties.

I’ve updated this post with this year’s parties.

And finally, here’s my New Year’s Eve Block Party on a Budget.

This is an easy way to celebrate without driving.