New Years Eve: Holly

New Years Eve has never been a huge deal around my world. Typically, we cue up the many DVDs and games and have ourselves a little movie/game marathon. After the craziness of the holidays, a little r&r is in order. We do go all out on the snacks (in lieu of dinner). Spinach dip, cheese ball, crudites & dip, taco dip, shrimp with cocktail sauce, and other favourite finger foods typically feature.  At the stroke of midnight, we wish each other a happy new year, raise a glass of cheer, and some years, we even break out the sparklers.

One memorable year my husband and I ran the New Year’s Eve party for the town I was working for complete with ball drop, hot apple cider, weiners. Previous to the celebration there was free public skating and we were the skate patrollers!

New Years Eve: Andrea

Over the last few years, New Years Eve has been spent in the Bahamas with my family. It’s not a grand, lavish affair. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We spend the day lounging by the pool and preparing a delicious meal for dinner. It’s always my mom’s homemade ribs, baked potatoes, the secret potato “goo” my mom and I concoct each year (we never really had a recipe and we make it on the fly each year – it always involves sour cream, cream cheese, cheese, bacon bits and spices but it changes a little each year). There’s lots of veggies, garlic bread and other delicious sides. Dessert is usually a plate of fruit and some Sara Lee cheesecake or other frozen delicacy. We leave the table feeling stuffed and happy!

After dinner is cleaned up, it’s time for the annual Jenga tournament. This is done after the adults have had a few drinks and the kids are wired because they’re full of dinner and find the adults quite entertaining. It’s a very loud tournament that usually involves only the men & boys in the house. My cousin makes banners for every player at the end, declaring the year’s winner and loser of the Jenga tournament. Photos are taken, laughter ensues, more drinks get consumed! 

Once the annual Jenga tournament is complete, we venture outside where we spend the remainder of our evening waiting not-so-patiently for midnight to arrive. It usually involves a dance party of sorts where the kids show us all the latest dance moves to all the latest ridiculous songs. This year I’m sure the theme will centre around twerking, much to my dismay. Last year involved convincing grandma and grandad to dance Gangnam Style. It was pretty entertaining to say the least. For those who last until midnight, a magnificent display of fireworks can be seen in the distance at the Atlantis Resort.

It’s great spending quality time with family to ring in the New Year. I would choose them any day over some ridiculous party with some crappy dinner and cheap wine. I’d rather hang out in my pj’s, laughing my butt off until midnight. The bonus is that as soon as the fireworks are over, I don’t have to worry about getting a ride home; I walk to my room and I go straight to sleep. I think ringing in the New Year with family is the best decision anyone could make.

Make Your Own New Year’s Eve Tradition

Crafts

 

Activities

 

Balloon Drop by Olson Family Matters 

 

Traditions from Around the World

• Lucky Hoppin’ John. The Southern United States believe consuming black eyed peas on New Year’s Eve bring luck in the coming year. Why not try this dish?
• Revelers in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries eat 12 grapes — one for every strike of the clock and month in the year.  It celebrates the coming of a sweet year. Why not skewer the grapes into your favourite virgin cocktail or create fruit kabobs?
• In Russia, you burn your wish for the year into your cocktail right before the clock strikes 12! Why not try writing your resolution with disappearing ink, or letting it go with sky lantern (check your fire regulations in your area)?
•  In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year. Why not tye dye yours red?
• In China, fireworks and parades are always associated with the New Year. Why not have shoot off your own firecrackers, or make your own parade around the neighbourhood (with your homemade noisemakers, of course)?

What are your plans for this New Year’s Eve? Are you celebrating with family?