With the countdowns, ball drops, and general merrymaking, New Year’s Eve is an exciting occasion for families. The promise of the New Year is especially significant in regards to the last couple of New Years we’ve had, which are likely to have had a more somber ring about them.
Celebrate the end of this year with these festive New Year’s Eve activities:
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New Year’s Eve ball drop
This is a classic. Watch the annual Times Square ball drop. Regardless of where you are, you can take part in this special event. To add more depth to the experience, set up a projector in your front yard and watch as the ball falls at midnight from the comfort of your own home.
Did you know Chagrin Falls has its own version of the time ball called the Popcorn Ball? Keep an eye out for the 250-pound ball – nicknamed Jupiter 2 – the next time you visit the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop this holiday season.
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Mock midnight
If your kids follow a strict bedtime (or never make it until midnight without dozing off), try celebrating a faux midnight instead. So they don’t miss out on one of the best parts of New Year, stage a faux countdown. Then, with the kids in bed, the adults can continue the celebrations guilt free, knowing they’ve done their part for the kids.
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Balloon countdown
Gather around 8-10 balloons. Then, write a time on each one leading up to midnight. That means if you have 8 balloons, you can start at 8 p.m., then 8:30, and so on. Pop the balloons on each appointed time until you reach the end.
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Movie marathon
Who doesn’t love a classic holiday movie? Let your kids pick their favorite films while you prepare popcorn and finger food for all to munch on until midnight (or 9 p.m.).
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Game night
If a movie marathon is a little too tame for your kids, host a game night to end the year with a bang. Start a game of musical chairs, charades, or Jenga and see who can stay awake the longest!
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Memory jar
A memory jar is similar to a time capsule. Starting on the first day of the new year, you and the kids can write down memories, accomplishments, and anecdotes on a piece of paper to be put in the jar. Continue doing this as the year goes by, until, by the next New Year’s Eve, you’ve filled up the jar with a year’s worth of stories. Open it up and read each one out loud! This is a wonderful bonding experience and marks the passing of time in a way that recalls the hopes, dreams and ideas of everyone in the family.
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Noon Year’s Eve party
With so many family-friendly things to do in Chagrin Falls, it won’t be hard to find a kid-appropriate New Year’s event amidst all the late-night parties. “Noon Year’s Eve” parties are popular here and allow kids of all ages to enjoy games, crafts, and more without having to stay up late.
Photo courtesy of Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop
When it comes to raising and celebrating with family, Chagrin Valley has much to offer. Let Michelle McQuade acquaint you with the neighborhood. Connect with the top Realtor in Chagrin Valley at 440.823.2448 or send an email.