This year my husband and I are going to stay at home and celebrate the New Year with our kids. We'd like to invite two other families to come over and join in the fun. What are some activities we can all do together?
Almost all of the things that make New Year's Eve exciting for adults--the music, dancing, party food, and the excuse to stay up really, really, late--will more than appeal to kids. Throw in some crazy party hats, a few games, and a striking piñata, and you're well on your way to a fabulous family-friendly First Night.
Creating simple favors is a perfect way to kick off the evening's activities. Besides being fun in their own right, the results of these crafts will impart a festive feel to the night. Celebrants of any age will be primed to party when decked out in weather or flower crowns, or customized party hats. Partygoers can raise a joyful noise to send out the old year and usher in the new with homemade noisemakers, kazoo horns, and giggle shakers, and shower friends with color by waving sparkle-filled confetti wands, Need I say more?
While waiting for the countdown, pass the time in play. Invite guests to participate in exciting rounds of Beat the Clock. Run a Balloons of Fortune relay, or enjoy "the mouse ran up the clock" (a spin on the classic red light, green light). It won't take much coaxing to get kids to take a swing at this clock-face piñata. And don't overlook the entertainment of just playing great tunes and dancing the night away.
Because it's a long-haul to the midnight hour, keep revelers refreshed with colorful cocktails, finger foods, and large slices from a fortune-filled cake.
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