Materials
Lightweight white paper (such as onionskin or tracing paper)
Pencils or pens
Fireplace
Candle
Envelopes

Fire holds a fascination for children and adults alike and is a powerful symbol of change and transformation. In cultures from Scotland to the Congo, blazing bonfires are a big part of New Year's Eve. This simple activity--performed, of course, with parental supervision--is one way of bringing that ancient enchantment home. First, each member of the family writes down on a small slip of lightweight paper something from the last year that he or she would like to get rid of--an unwanted habit, say, or some lingering bad luck. One by one, each then steps forward and hands the paper to a designated adult, who lights it with a candle and carefully places it in the fireplace to disappear. Part two of the ceremony is equally important: Everyone writes down his or her wishes for the future and places them in a sealed envelope that is kept in a safe spot for a year--to be opened and re-read next New Year's Eve, when the cycle begins again.

Freelance writer Teri Keough will be celebrating New Year's Eve at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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• New Year's Crafts