Let's not fool ourselves, with a newborn or toddler, New Year's Eve is different than it used to be. But that doesn't mean that celebrating the New Year can’t happen. And glittering parties with champagne, midnight toasts and extensive fireworks displays aren't necessarily a thing of the past. But, as parents, you will quickly realise that there are advantages to not leaving the house with little ones. There are plenty of other ways to have a New Year's Eve family party. And celebrate the start of the new year. New Year's Eve with children can be creative, delightful, fun and relaxed - we've got some ideas for you!
Celebrating New Year's Eve with small children: The 8 top tips
1. Move your New Year's Eve Family Party to the afternoon
If you have to breast/chestfeed at 4am or your toddler wakes you up at 5:30am to play, it's not a good idea to stay up and party until 2am. If you celebrate in the afternoon or early evening, everyone can join in the celebration and you can still get that all important sleep and stick to your family routines.
Whether as a family or with friends and other children, everyone is welcome. This way, no one has to worry about a babysitter or that the children will get tired.
The children can play together, let off steam and you can create a party programme that works for you. Plus, you can start the New Year the way most of us want to, waking up refreshed, energised and hangover-free. You could take a family walk then enjoying a delicious brunch.
2. Create a family vision board
What are your dreams for 2023? What adventures do you want to have as a family in the new year?
As parents or together with your children, create a vision board to record your personal and family goals. This way you can keep them in mind throughout the year. And what better time than 31 December?
Your baby won't be much help, but if you already have toddlers, they can cut out pictures of their adventures, promises they want to keep or wishes they have from magazines or draw something and stick it on the board. Everyone then gets their own creative space on which to record all their dreams and wishes for the coming year. This is fun, bonds the family together and makes you really want to kick off 2023.
3. Dress up
You may not be styling up for a big party this year - but that doesn't mean you can't bring glamour into it. Dress up for each other, even if no one else sees. Or dress up together when your children are older and have a theme party. Celebrating New Year's Eve with small children is different, but that doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. And if your child is still very small, eating together by candlelight can make things feel special. This will help to boost your self-confidence for the new year and may even give you a sizzling evening.
4. Bring the New Year's Eve party to your home
Don't want to miss out on a dinner with friends or a party? Then host it yourself and save yourself the hassle of a babysitter. It's best not to start too early, so that your children are already asleep when the excitement starts. Otherwise the bedtime ritual could be difficult with so much excitement going on. Afterwards, however, anything is possible, from a fancy dinner to a cosy evening where everyone brings something (depending on how sensitive your children are to noise). And if you do hear a noise from the nursery, you can be there quickly to reassure your child.
5. Organise a virtual games night
You used to have a games night with your friends on New Year's Eve, but now they all have small children and are scattered all over the country? No problem: simply move your traditional game night to Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or Houseparty. Whether it's a murder mystery dinner, charades or guessing games - there are many ideas for virtual game nights. And dressing up makes it even more fun. But find out about the games in advance so you're all perfectly equipped for it.
6. Make New Year's Day a celebration
Why do you always have to celebrate the previous year? It can be just as great to welcome the new year on the 1st January. You. could have brunch together or spend the afternoon with friends and family. The more people around you who already have small children, the more likely they are to have time. And to want to do something on the 1st January instead of 31st December. After all, a bad hangover or severe overtiredness (except for the new parents) isn’t much fun for anyone.
7. New Year's Eve with a toddler: Have a pyjama dance party as your New Year's Eve family party
Pyjamas on, music loud - and off you go! Make finger food, decorate the dance floor and have a great party as a family. Pop little walkers into an On The Move Sleep Bag before the party starts and they'll be ready for bed whenever they drop! And when you do get tired? Why not all fall into bed together? The loud firecrackers and whistling rockets outside will only be half as scary for your kids. A little trick if you want the children to be in bed early: simply set your clocks two hours ahead. That way you can celebrate the New Year together at midnight and still be in bed early.
8. Don't forget to toast
Welcoming the new year is important. And not just for the grown-ups. Even if your little ones sleep into the New Year, toast with them on New Year's Day. Hold a New Year's Eve Family Party the next morning. It doesn't matter whether it's with hot chocolate, grape juice or water, it's all about the ritual. It's fun and of course it shouldn't be missing on New Year's Eve with children!
We wish you all an unforgettable New Year's Eve and a happy start to 2024!