To those who say New Year's Eve, with its late hours and reputation for excess, is a tough holiday to celebrate with kids, FAMILYFUN readers can only laugh and smile knowingly.

We know this because when we asked how you handle the occasion, you fired off a volley of unique solutions and innovative twists on tradition. We oohed and ahhed over Marlene Parmentier's complete clock party and Donna Martin's balloon drop , and we delighted in the simplicity of Elaine Snyder's Bubble Wrap Stomp .

Then we picked 10 of your best tips for packing your New Year's Eve celebration with the kind of revelry, surprise and silliness children love. There's inspiration for games and decorations, for midnight madness and quiet reflection, and for fitting in a full dose of fun without losing sleep. Happy New Year!

Charlotte Meryman is a contributing editor to FAMILYFUN.