New Year’s Eve — for Everyone!

New Year’s Eve is coming up, and that means party time! This year, you can stay home and host a low-key bash that boasts something fun for kids and adults alike. And since you make the rules, you don’t even have to stay up until midnight to ring in the new year (the clock will be striking 12 somewhere around the globe at 8 o’clock, after all).

Set the Stage

You can set the mood for a celebration by transforming your home with simple and fun decorations. For instance, use masking tape to hang crepe paper streamers vertically from each doorway. Blow up a variety of balloons to scatter throughout the party area. Decorate a mantel with homemade bunting, using yarn or string and fabric or paper triangles, each with a number — 2-0-2-5.

Watch the Clock

Older partygoers may be able to count down to midnight, or you can get creative by counting down to the clock striking 12…noon! Or, pick a country in a different time zone and search for an online stream of festivities. Not only can you ring in the new year at a reasonable hour, but it can also be a good chance to learn about a faraway place.

Create a Capsule

Capture favorite memories from the year in a time capsule. Have each person contribute a special object, drawing, photo or story, then collect them all in a small shoebox. Wrap the box in shiny paper and label with the date. Pack it away with other holiday decorations, and open it the following New Year’s Eve. It’s a new tradition!

Cheers to Party Drinks

Have a punch bowl that’s been gathering dust for most of the year? New Year’s Eve is a perfect occasion to break out a fancy drink, and kids will enjoy the fun of dipping out their own special beverages. Combine 1½ liters club soda or seltzer water, 2 liters chilled ginger ale and 1 package (10 ounces) of partially thawed frozen strawberries in a large punch bowl. Drop in small scoops of ½ gallon of raspberry sherbet just before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Make Some Noise

On routine days, little ones are often reminded to keep noise levels in check…but on this special day, loud and spirited sounds are a requirement! Celebrate the fanfare with DIY noisemakers made from items that can be found around the house. You can put a handful or two of dried beans on a paper plate and then staple a second plate to the top. Or drop a handful of coins into an empty plastic water bottle and replace the cap tightly. Encourage kids to decorate their creations with markers, paint, glitter and even ribbons.

Capture the Fun

Elevate the everyday selfie by setting up a dedicated photo station. Create a special backdrop using a colorful sheet or fabric, rolls of wrapping paper, or a wall of streamers and balloons. Have a box of fun props available nearby, like hats, glasses, mustaches, boas, old costumes, empty picture frames and word bubbles made of poster board. Take turns snapping silly photos, or for the more tech savvy, set up a remote for a tripod-mounted camera.