Countdown to New Year’s

We usually have a fun Countdown to New Year’s every year, especially when the whole family is celebrating together. This one was from a few  years ago but I never shared it. I wanted to give you some good ideas for your family New Year’s eve celebration this year. You probably already have most of the things you need to carry this out. 

Countdown to New Year’s supplies needed:

Bags (lunch bags, white lunch bags, or small gift bags)
Paper Clocks (I cut them out with my Cricut) You could even draw them on the bags with markers
Activities for each hour (we change them up a little every year)

You can pull this whole activity together last minute if you need too. I waited until the last minute to make the bags but didn’t want the kids to know what was inside so I gave them some circle punches and had them cut circles out of silver and gold tissue paper. It kept them busy so I was able to fill the bags quickly and we had confetti for the night.

You can start with the hour you like, we start at 6:00 or 7:00. Of course if you have younger children and they can’t stay up late you can start early in the day. We started with Just Dance this year. It’s always a good time and something the whole family can enjoy whether they’re playing or not.

Next was a movie I knew the whole family would enjoy. Pick something you know will keep the kids entertained for at least an hour.

We also have snacks during movie time. It’s a little different every year. The whole point of the bags is to keep it a surprise so we change things a little every New Year’s eve.

We choose one time during the night to write down special events from the previous year and goals for the new year. It’s fun for the kids to write some of their favorites of the year. Save the papers from year to year so you can look back on previous years highlights and goals.

One of the clock bags always includes games. We usually play a couple fast games so everyone stays interested. Adjust the games for the ages in your family.

I usually try to incorporate some kind of craft or project during the night. This year we made party hats using washi tape and stickers. It was fun and easy for even the youngest kids. We also gave them glow necklaces and bracelets to wear.

Isn’t this hat cute?!

A few minutes before midnight we open the last bag which has noise makers and poppers.

And a few kisses for those who don’t want the real thing.

Sometimes we like to add new traditions. This year we incorporated a tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight to represent the 12 months of the year. You want to have only sweet grapes, a sour grape means a bad month. We put the grapes in glasses of Sprite.

As you can tell most of these activities can be pulled together last minute. It doesn’t take a lot of prep time but it makes the night fun for the whole family.

Since we change things a little every years here are a few more ideas for you:

Scavenger hunt
Photo booth (a family favorite)
Charades
Making a treat
Service project (something quick, like tying a blanket or gathering food items to donate)

Enjoy creating your own Countdown to New Year’s. Happy New Year!!!

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