13 ideas for family fun at home on NYE
For more than 4,000 years, people have celebrated the start of a new year. Different cultures, families, and individuals still observe the day for various reasons and in varying ways. Extravagant parties, religious practices, and traditional dishes have long been a part of those celebrations.
Some choose to travel or attend events during this time, but staying home can be equally festive. In no particular order, I've listed a few activities to keep your family entertained as we usher in 2024. And if you're interested in a little New Year's trivia, check out the links at the end of this article.
Try one of these ideas to help make your family-friendly NYE celebration at home even more fun
1. Create a photo booth
All of the important elements are present with this activity: family, creativity, fun and captured memories. Be as bold as you'd like with themes and colors. You may already have everything you'll need right at home!
I view this as an activity to go all out. And if you'd prefer using backdrops instead of a photobooth, go for it! Either way works. A quick Google search of inexpensive or homemade backdrops will yield a plethora of choices.
2. Balloon Countdown
This is a fun one for kids. Have someone write or print activities to do hourly and put one inside of each balloon. Give the balloons a designated time. At the start of an hour, have your child pop the balloon with that specific time. What's inside is what the family does. If you have multiple children, allow them to take turns or simply draw names to choose the balloon popper.
3. Family Video Game Night
Do you have a household of gamers? Pull out your faves or surprise the crew with something new. Battle it out in teams or individually for a night of friendly competition. Depending on the game, you could also include another neighboring household or distant relatives to challenge online.
4. Get Outside
If the whether is tolerable, spend a little time outdoors. My daughters love roasting marshmallows and warming themselves by a bonfire. As a family, you could also use these moments to talk about your best or funniest 2023 memories.
5. Celebrate With Food
Eating has and will likely always be a part of New Year's celebrations. As a family, make your favorites or create food bars to enjoy. For instance, tacos, chili, desserts, and snacks. It can be whatever you like. Incorporate this with movies or a dance party and you're sure to have a great time.
6. Scavenger Hunt
What I love about this activity is that you can tailor it to fit any age group. Whether you have a household of young kids, teens, or adults, you can hide relevant items for them to find. It can also be done indoors or out.
And don't be afraid to step outside of the box with the items. Add a dose of comedy or shock and awe to the mix. Hide some things your crew wouldn't expect!
7. Decades Dance Off
Get a stack of index cards and write one decade per card. Put them in a box. As individuals or partners (and without looking) pull a card.
Use the magic of the internet to time travel and find the most popular dances of that decade. Try to emulate the dances. This can be done as a challenge or just for fun as a group.
8. Reflection
Not everyone desires high energy festivities to celebrate the new year. Rest and reflection are also perfectly acceptable forms of celebration. As a family, you can make time to journal together, pray, read, meditate, or spend time planning out your year ahead.
9. Crafting Party
This can be done with just your household members or invite others to stop by and join the fun. Depending on how much space you have, you could set up themed stations for a variety of creations. Or, organize your supplies and let everyone freestyle. This is a great way to put what you have to good use and simultaneously rid yourself of some items.
10. Watch Global Celebrations
There are televised New Year's events all over the world. Find those of your family's choosing and enjoy from the comfort of your couch. Some of your most-watched or listened-to artists may be performing as well. Do your research and then grab whatever you'll want to indulge in while watching.
11. A Cookie Decoration Bake-Off
Bake cookies, choose a judge to decide the winner, and then let everyone's creativity flow! If you have an online presence with followers, let them select the best design. (If you'd prefer something more difficult, try cake decorating or whatever you feel is appropriate.)
12. Classic Game Night
Never underestimate the power (and excitement) of the classics! Musical chairs, charades, pin the tail on the donkey, wheelbarrow race, limbo, Pictionary, and relay races are enough family fun to last for hours. Get moving and make sure photos and videos are captured along the way. You'll want to look back on these!
13. Put On A Show
If your family loves the spotlight, let talents shine in a talent show. From dancing, to comedy, spoken word poetry, singing, and beyond, everyone gets a chance to showcase their skills.
New Year's Trivia
Have you ever thought about the origin of the NYE ball drop in Times Square? It dates back as early as 1907. The first was made of iron and wood and weighed 700 pounds. Read about this particular tradition and also learn where the concept of “time-balls” began.
Some New Year's foods are believed to bring good luck in the new year. In Southern states, black-eyed peas are among the staples we're used to, but what happens globally? Grapes, noodles, fish, and more play an important role in the festivities.
New Year's Eve superstitions are a real thing. For example, wearing certain underwear colors and tossing furniture directly affect luck/fortune. I came across an article explaining a few. Of course, do your own research for further explanations.
