How to Bring in the New Year with Family

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By Phyllis L. Smith Asinyanbi, eHow Member

Article Rating: (18 Ratings)

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Bring in the New Year with Family

Not everyone wants to spend time counting down seconds for the New Year to begin with a crowd in New York's Times Square. You might not want to spend it watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve either. Or drinking alcoholic beverages at a club or someone else's home might not appeal to you, because you're a teetotaler.

Some of us simply want an intimate, alcohol-free evening with our husband, wife, children (the one's who can stay awake until midnight), and good friends, toasting in the New Year, praying in the New Year, or thanking God for another year!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Husband
Wife
Children
Friends (who are like family)
Non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice

Step 1

Let your immediate family and close friends know you want to celebrate the New Year at home this year. Call all who don't live in your household who you think of as family and ask them to join you.
Step 2

Buy red and white sparkling grape juice. This is a family event that will include the kids. Some children won't stay awake until midnight. However, for those who can, allow them to do so, New Year's Eve/Day only comes once a year.
Step 3

Allow children who want to join in to take a nap earlier in the day, so they can welcome the New Year with their family. They will love being included in the celebration!
Step 4

Make snacks and light appetizers. Remember to include some child friendly foods. Have the sparkling grape juice, along with non-carbonated juices, pop/soda, and coffee for those who want something different.
Step 5

Gather together, eat, drink, share memories of the last year, and enjoy each others' company. Make sure someone serves as the official countdown person. Be sure the countdown official has the exact time down to the second. You can look it up at: http://www.time.gov/
Step 6

Pour non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone should have glass in hand, ready to toast and greet each other for the New Year! Play music--it doesn't have to be "Auld Lang Syne!" It can be Contemporary Praise and Worship, Soft Jazz, or whatever YOU like, but make sure it's fitting for a New Year's celebration.
Step 7

Hug and kiss each other, jump and shout, or raise your hands to heaven, and thank God for another year! It's up to you how you express your thankfulness for seeing another year. "Do what you do, and I'll do the same!" God bless you and your family. May you live well and prosper in the coming year.