A Perfect New Year's Eve

Ah, New Year's Eve. Until recently, this festive holiday inspired in me a singular sort of dread. I didn't care for those late-night parties, where the age-old New Year's custom of making noise to ward off evil spirits was matched by the frantic taking in of spirits--followed by collective ruing of excess and reaching for aspirin on First Day. As the mother of a young daughter, my New Year's tradition was to just say no.

What changed my mind? At a friend's urging one year, I bundled up my daughter, Rachael, and together we caught the subway into Boston for the city's acclaimed First Night. This widely copied civic celebration, which draws from various cultures and traditions, convinced me that New Year's Eve could be a family affair after all. We both appreciated the fact that it started early, beginning in the afternoon with indoor crafts, face-painting and other children's activities. By evening, we were caught up in the spirit of things, sporting the wild Mylar hats we'd made and cheering on the Grand Procession--a surreal, carnival-like masked parade. Later, we wandered the streets among glowing ice sculptures, exuberant performers and a medley of multicultural displays. For this mother-daughter team, at least, New Year's Eve--a holiday whose late-night revels once divided us--now brought us together.

Even without a city celebration nearby, however, it's possible to turn First Night into a time for family. The holiday's themes--reflections on the past and hopes for the future, with a bit of mischief thrown in--can be played out through the simplest of activities. And like Boston's, your home-based festivities can begin (and end!) well before midnight, allowing even the youngest to join in. The following crafts, projects and recipes reflect the ways Rachael and I now enjoy marking the year's passing. As with any good First Night, there's more here than most families would want to do in a single evening. But why rush? There's always next year. So let's raise a glass (may we suggest a Triple Red Shirley Temple or a Starry, Starry Night?) and make a toast that all can share.

To the first of many family First Nights!