Welcoming a new year is a special time of looking forward to new beginnings, fresh outlooks on life, and celebrating all of those accomplishments you’ve achieved in life thus far.
Play party games
If you’re gathering with a group of people, party games are fun entertainment that brings everyone together. You can find dozens of free games online, or print New Year’s Eve “BINGO!” cards.
Prepare good luck foods
Around the world, people celebrate the new year with certain foods. Why not incorporate some into your tradition? The Spanish and Portuguese eat twelve grapes at midnight to symbolize the twelve months of the new year. In Greece, a pomegranate is smashed on the floor in front of a door to break it open, revealing seeds symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. In Chili, lentils are eaten when the clock strikes midnight and in the southern United States, eating black-eyed peas is thought to bring good fortune in the new year.
Celebrate a new tradition
In the United States, it is common to watch a ball drop at midnight. However, the world is full of other New Year traditions you can try. In Ireland, bread is banged against walls and doors to chase out bad luck and spirits.
Have a theme party
Pay tribute to decades of the past, and dress up as a flapper from the roaring 20s, put on your bobby socks and poodle skirt for the nifty 50s, or wear your hair in a beehive for the swingin’ 60s.
Noisemakers
Invite everyone to bring or make their own noisemakers and go wild with them at midnight.
New Year’s nostalgia
Go for a walk down memory lane. Bring out photo albums and talk about family New Year’s celebrations of the past or other memorable family gatherings.
Locate local events
If you want to get out of the house for New Year’s, reach out to your local senior centers, institutions, religious centers, or YMCA/YWCA to learn about events in your area. There could be a parade, fireworks, or party being hosted near you.
Write down your New Year’s resolutions
Do you keep meaning to schedule a yearly annual checkup? Is it time to declutter the home and minimize some of your belongings? A new year is a perfect time to get motivated to finally do some of those things you’ve been meaning to do all year. Consider resolutions like exercising, eating healthier, volunteering, challenging your brain, visiting an old pastime, and spending more time with family.
Have a movie night and watch films set around New Year’s
Get in the spirit and watch a New Year’s themed movie.
New Year’s Day brunch
If staying up until midnight is way past your bedtime and not possible, celebrate New Year’s Day at noon instead! As you are counting down to noon, hold up your glass of orange juice or milk, and say “cheers” to a new year!
Source: www.medicare.org