New Years Eve with Kids at Home looks a lot different than those bar hoping, sparkly mini dress NYE’s of years past!
And honestly… I’m here for it!
Here on the West Coast, it’s a sure bet dinner’s a crockpot meal, we’re celebrating an EST midnight (…9pm our time), we’re getting a little festive, and looking forward to the future, and heading to bed!
Here’s our favorite ways to make New Years Eve with Kids at Home a special, memorable night!
An Easy Crockpot Dinner is a MUST (or ordering a pizza is cool too)
You know it’s going to be a heavy ‘evening’ focused day, so do yourself a favor and get the crock on now! Our favorite slow cooker meals are one’s we can toss in, set it in the morning, and then around 6 pm give ourselves a big pat on the back for being so on top of it!
Whether you choose to do just a protein with some sauce, and put together easy tacos, a cozy soup, or a full crockpot dinner, choose your family’s favorite meal (and easy clean up)!
Make a Fun Dessert with the Kids
Does a toddler love anything more than to ‘help‘? lol I know mine wants to be involved in EVERYTHING I do in the kitchen, so let them join!
From cookies, to cakes, or even healthy muffin’s they’ll never guess have veggies in them, choose a fun treat to make after dinner with your little one’s help!
Box mix, or store-bought is a-ok with us!
Family Reminiscing & Goal Setting for the New Year
Depending on how old your little one’s are, it’s the perfect time to start a family tradition for New Years Eve reminiscing & talking about your family goals for the upcoming year!
Can you make a quick photo album on your phone with some pics of fun memories over the past year? Or print them out and write a summary on the back of the day/memorable moment from your favorite snaps!
What are you looking forward to in the new year? Is there a vacation you’d like to take, or are you wanting to set some new healthy habits like morning walks around the park?
Grab a sheet of paper, write the goals out in the center and let the babes decorate it! The perfect piece of art to hang on the fridge and remind you of your new year intentions!
Make a Mocktail Everyone Can Enjoy
I don’t know about you, but the older (eeeek) I get, the less and less I’ve been interested in alcohol, and quite frankly, the alcohol aftermath feeling like absolute crap! So much so, I cut it out completely in 2020! Which makes all fun drinks Mocktails in our house!
Blend up a frozen fruity drink the kids (and you) can sip on after dinner! Make it fun with dried floral garnishes, or editable glitter to really get festive!
Our favorite Mocktail creator, Natalie Battaglia of The Mindful Mocktail, just came out with a new book too, grab it here for those alcohol-free but festive nights!
Set The Festive Mood!
Make New Years Eve actualllllly fun! Yes, the kids may be up a little later than usual, it’s one night, let’s embrace it, and make some memories.
You don’t have to go all out in order to make the night a little out of the norm and bring in some fun moments! You don’t have to install a disco ball, or cover your living room with confetti.
Grab some party poppers, classic Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, and some cheesy New Years gab and call it a night!
The Afterparty // For Mama
You did it! Create a great evening, started new family traditions you’ll build on each year, and officially rang in the new year!
Now it’s YOUR time!
I like to spend New Years Eve late night thinking about my own personal goals and plans for the upcoming year!
Grab your favorite notebook (who am I kidding… you probably already got a new one for the new year) and start brainstorming!
Is it a year for a new baby to join the family? Maybe you’re weaning from breastfeeding in the new year (like me), or you’re 100% ready to have your body back to YOURSELF haha, think about your personal goals and plans for the year, and start DREAMING!
A notebook, a bath, with a milkshake (or wine, we don’t judge) is a nightcap I’ll always promote!
Side note, I always use the kids bubble bath soap for my own, do you ever do this? Or I love the epsom salt line from Dr. Teals, especially their Sleep Bath
