The evolution of my New Year’s Eve would make for a very funny comic strip and one that most parents could appreciate.

From a kid wanting to make it to midnight to an adult acting like a kid at midnight to a parent falling asleep in front of the TV two hours before midnight, how we celebrate New Year’s Eve reflects our life at that moment in time.

So now that I am a parent who still wants to celebrate the year’s end and not take out a small loan in order to pay for it, I’m becoming creative and flexible. Nearly every town has a First Night celebration these days and those are always an excellent way to celebrate with children. My kids always love the ice sculptures!

This year good friends have invited us over for a family New Year’s Eve celebration. We have done this before and everyone has such a great time. Start by thinking about the families you want to invite. Ideally these are parents who you would like to spend several hours with and whose kids get along with yours.

What you don’t want to do is spend the entire evening sorting out arguments, referring wrestling matches and worrying about the dreaded New Year’s Eve ER visit. If you’ve made friends with the parents from your children’s schools or kept in touch with your high school or college friends this would be the best place to start. Keep the invite list small and start with one or two other families. Ask your kids how they’d feel about an evening with these kids to make sure it is a fit.  

When you invites guests be honest with your expectations. I like to tell guests that while the party isn’t a sleep over, the kids should bring their PJ’s for comfort. I also make sure to note an end time for the evening whether it be when the kids melt down or after the ball drops everyone needs to know when to head home.

When inviting younger children, New Year’s Eve might happen as early at 8 or 10 p.m. This is the time to have some fun with the time zones and even encourage a theme. Find some fun food and trivia of the city you are helping ring in the New Year and see if you can engage the kids.  

Depending on the ages of the children you might want to include a simple craft. I found one at http://crafts.kaboose.com/water-bottle-noise-maker.html that I think my kids would love. Making a craft that the kids can use at “midnight” ties in the whole evening and gets the kids involved in the party.

For older kids a movie and some popcorn or a couple board games might be the way to go. Either way, it’s a good idea to keep them busy so you can enjoy time with your friends. These parties aren’t a substitute for a baby sitter so check in with them every once in a while, ask them what they’re up to and remind them of the countdown to the New Year.

Food and drink are a must at any New Year’s Eve party and family parties are no exception. I think it would be fun to make a signature cocktail for the adults and a non alcoholic version for the kids. Food can be as easy as pot luck or as involved as themed hors d’oeuvres or a combination of both.

While kids may eat many items on the adult menu, make some very kid specific items and have a separate table so they feel that they have their own party. The kid’s food doesn’t have to be all junk either. Hummus and carrots, fresh fruit, mini sandwiches and pumpkin muffins are a few examples of snacks my kids love.  You can even have the kids do some baking as one of the party activities.

Finally, make ringing in the New Year a big deal. Just because it may not technically be midnight when the kids celebrate the New Year, act like it is. Shake your noise makers, turn up the music, dance and wish everyone a happy New Year. Kids want to feel like adults and by making their midnight a big deal they will feel a part of the celebration.

Once the New Year has been rung in, give the kids a 10 minute warning for their good byes. Once you’re back home and the kids are tucked in their beds you can kick back with a glass of champagne and ring in the actual New Year knowing you spent a wonderful evening with friends and family.

Happy New Year!