How to host a family-friendly, alchohol-free New Year's Bash

One thing I hated as a youngster was being stuck at home to watch the Times Square ball drop on television while my parents went out to "bring in the New Year". It seemed that New Year's Eve parties were meant for the drinkers and carousers, and were not a family affair. Now, as adults, my husband and I have chosen not to imbibe, and at the same time we want to have a great time celebrating the New Year with our children and friends. We've found that it's that way with lots of other folks out there, too. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate without inviting liquor to the party. Parties don't have to be stressful affairs. Remember, your guests are going to mess up your house, so don't fuss overly much. Let the guests be party of bringing the party to your door. Here's all you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lots of friends.
• A great location for both indoor and outdoor fun.
• Food and beverages. Something thematic is nice, like lasagna, or pizza, or an all mexican variety.

1. Start by doing the mandatory cleaning of your house if you must, but don't get to stressed, like I said before. Then, invite lots of friends, and ask them to bring along a dish to pass. It's nice if you announce that it's going to be a lasagna night or Mexican night, or something thematic. It's always great to be able to sample everyone's cooking style, from spinach lasagna to traditional, or chicken burritoes to Spanish rice and corn bread.
   
   You'll probably want to provide a beverage and other side specialties, unless you ask your guests to bring one side item such as a salad or dessert.
2. If you have access to outdoor fun, invite kids and teens to bring their snow clothes, sleds, or even a football. Set out an array of board games or invite your guests to bring their favorites.
   
   Think of some fun indoor games for teens and adults that wouldn't need a board; charades, mafia, or whomp'em might be good ones, and just wild enough for the occasion. Teens love these games.
3. The main thing is that you have lots of things available for the fun, and then just let the evening go its own way. Most adults will enjoy visiting, telling stories, and laughing. The kids will enjoy sledding or having snowball fights or playing flag football in the snow. It might seem odd, but remember when you were young, how it was fun to be out at night playing when you'd normally be getting tucked into bed?
4. Let everyone know when the clock is getting close to midnight. You can make sure that everyone has a beverage - non-alchoholic, of course, maybe even some sparkling pear juice or just some punch. At midnight toast the New Year, just as everyone is doing all over your time zone.
   
   We've had parties like this for many years with our friends. Being mostly church friends, we've chosen to follow the toast by bringing in the year with a prayer.
   
   Remember, New Year's isn't about the drinking. It's about you and your family making it through the past year to a fresh beginning, and it's about treasuring the friendships you've made or grown along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Lots of parents I know like to get in on the sledding and football fun. Remind them that it's okay to bring along snow suits, too.
• Make sure to let folks know that food should come hot and ready. Let a clear time be known for the party to begin, and eat first thing.