Ringing in the New Year looks a little different when you have kids, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as magical! Over the years, we’ve created family-friendly traditions that make the countdown exciting for the little ones, and this year, we’re joining friends and their kiddos to celebrate together. Here are some of our favorite ways to make New Year’s Eve fun and memorable for the whole family.
1. Kid-Friendly Toasts
Skip the champagne and grab some grape juice along with fancy plastic flutes. Kids love the excitement of saying “CHEERS!”, and it makes them feel included in the celebration. Plus, it’s a fun way to teach them about toasting and celebrating milestones.
2. Countdown Early
If staying up until midnight seems impossible with younger kids, try an early countdown. You can set a countdown clock or play a kid-friendly countdown video to get everyone excited. This keeps the magic alive without turning the evening into a battle of tired parents versus cranky kids.
3. Make a Year-in-Review Slideshow
Create a slideshow highlighting memories from the past year, family trips, birthdays, school milestones, or silly everyday moments. Kids love seeing themselves on screen, and it’s a meaningful way to reflect on the year together.
4. DIY Pipe Cleaner Glasses
Turn a simple craft into a keepsake! Grab some cheap sunglasses, remove the lenses, and use pipe cleaners to spell out the new year on top. Not only is it a fun activity, but it also makes for some adorable photos to remember the night.
5. Talk About the Year Ahead
Sit down as a family and ask your kids about their goals or wishes for the upcoming year. It could be as simple as learning a new skill, making a new friend, or trying a new activity. This conversation helps children think about the future in a fun, creative way, and it becomes a tradition you can continue each year.
Morning-After Tips
After the celebration, it’s normal to have sleepy kids (and parents!). Plan a calm morning with easy breakfast options, favorite cartoons, or some extra cuddle time. These quiet moments help everyone start the New Year feeling refreshed and happy.Bonus Tip: Make the night extra special by incorporating your kids’ favorite shows or music during the countdown. Even simple additions like this can make the evening feel magical and unique to your family.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids doesn’t have to be stressful, it’s all about creating little traditions that bring joy, laughter, and memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy
These are great tips for the morning after New Years when you have children! Thanks for sharing. :) I love Netflix, they always have something for all of us! Happy New Year's Eve to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteLove love love all the awesome selections for my kiddo!! Netflix has really stepped it up this year!!
ReplyDeleteLove Netflix
ReplyDeleteWe dont have Netflix, but you have a nice lineup
ReplyDeleteellen beck
I really enjoy netflix. My niece and nephews enjoy watching it with me.
ReplyDeleteI hear a lot of good things about Netflix. I know my little niece would enjoy LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship and many more of these shows.
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net
We have Netflix and love it. Nothing like staying in on New Year's Eve and watching some favorites. Btw, we ditched DirecTV and bought an antenna.
ReplyDeleteI love that Netflix has so many children's shows.
ReplyDeleteWe love Netflix! They have so many great shows!
ReplyDeleteWe love Netflix, we will definitely be checking out these movies.
ReplyDelete