Can you believe we’re counting down to 2020? In just a few days we will say goodbye to 2019 and welcome a brand new year. Each family has different traditions and ways to bring in a new year. If you are looking for ideas for New Year’s Eve, I have a few options for you. Whether you choose to party with your friends or spend the evening nestled in your warm living room, take the time to celebrate!

10 Ways to Celebrate New Years Eve

Celebrate with the Big Cities:

Many families spend the last few hours of the year watching the big parties in cities like New York or LA. We enjoy the commentaries, concerts and fireworks as we all countdown to the new year. There’s just something nice and comfortable about enjoying the traditional hosts and events from the comfort of your own couch.

Watch-Night Services:

Some churches host New Years Eve watch night services where they celebrate with their families and friends. These events offer food, fun and shared laughter with your church family.

Puzzle & Game Night:

If you are more of a homebody, you may enjoy the opportunity to bring out the puzzles and games, so you can enjoy some quiet fun with the family. Serve some chocolate candies, chips and dip and challenge your family to a night of Monopoly or Rook.

Look through the Photo Albums:

Some families bring out photo albums and look back through the pictures of the past years. They take this time to remember the good times they’ve enjoyed as a family. Maybe you can pull out the old school slide machine and look through your grandparent’s slides on the wall while you enjoy a bowl of popcorn.

Light up the Night Sky:

Do you have sparklers leftover from the 4th of July? Bring them out and let the family light up the backyard with your own miniature fireworks display.

Recycle your Real Tree:

Years ago I heard of a family who would save their real Christmas tree each year and put it out in their fire pit. They would have a big bonfire as they said goodbye to the previous year and welcome the New Year.

Celebrate in another Time Zone:

If midnight EST is too late for you and your family, then just find another country’s clock that fits your schedule better. Will you celebrate the New Year with a Chinese luncheon or a Grecian dinner? www.timeanddate.com has a chart telling you when each country will welcome the New Year.

Turn forward the Clocks:

If your children are really small, you could always just turn the clocks forward. I’ve heard of one family who moves the hands on their kitchen clock so they can give the small kids the fun of counting down to the New Year without making them miss their bed time.

Celebrate Safely:

Whatever your plans are for New Year, remember that safety is a number one priority. Make wise choices so you can enjoy the start of 2020 with no regrets.

Make a Thankful List:

Each year has its ups and downs. But as you welcome a new year, take a few minutes to think about all the things you are thankful for in 2019. The more you think about the past twelve months, the more you will find things to be thankful for. I love the start of a new year, because of the possibilities that the next months will bring.

How do you plan to welcome the New Year? I’d love to hear your plans as you celebrate the beginning of 2020.