5 Must-Haves for a Family New Year's Eve at Home

If you're not looking forward to another glitz and glam New Year's Eve party, why not spend this year at home with your family? Our REALTORS® have some ideas for a family-friendly New Year's Eve where you can hang out with the kids and stay casual and cozy around the fire.

If you love small-city living and family-friendly activities, Bucyrus homes for sale provide the perfect place to spend a cozy New Year's Eve at home. Celebrating with the kids doesn't have to be boring if you plan some festive ways to count down the clock. Take a look at five fun ways to ring in the New Year with your kids.

1. Pop a Balloon Every Hour
   The countdown to New Year's Eve is a big deal, so why not count down at home with balloons you pop every hour? Depending on the ages and bedtimes of your kids, you can start in the afternoon or after dinner and pop a dozen or just a few balloons. When your countdown ends, celebrate with champagne for mom and dad and hot chocolate for the kids. For a balloon countdown, you'll need a few supplies:

• • Poster Board – Grab a few pieces of poster board and mount them on the wall
  • Markers – Mark the hour on each balloon with colored markers
  • Balloons – Tape each balloon to the poster boards
  • Push Pins – Use push pins to pop the balloons

Before you blow up the balloons, try filling them with confetti, glitter, sequins, or a special note. As each hour strikes, let the kids pop the balloon, then wait with anticipation for the next hour.

2. Make Your Own Party Favors
   If you're feeling creative and like doing crafts, let the kids join in on the fun of making New Year's Eve party favors. To get started, visit a local party store and buy some hats, masks, glasses, noise-makers, confetti poppers, and decorative items like fuzzy balls, stickers, and washable paint. If you have a large table, cover it for protection, then have the kids join you for a special crafting party.

3. Plan Some Festive Activities
   While you're waiting for the last few hours of New Year's Eve, plan some festive activities to keep the kids occupied. Be sure to plan activities that are age-appropriate for your kids and let the family fun begin:

• • Have a dance party with your favorite records
  • Pull out your favorite board games
  • Play charades
  • Watch your favorite family movie
  • Take snapshots for a New Year's Eve photo album

4. Cook a Special New Year's Eve Dinner
   Instead of cooking the usual sit-down dinner like hamburgers, mac and cheese, or spaghetti, plan a special New Year's Eve dinner for the kids. Most kids like cheese, so set up a fondue table with meatballs and veggies, roasted potatoes, apples and pears, and toasted baguettes cut into small pieces. Dinner might get a little messy, but your kids will have fun dipping into the gooey fondue.

5. Throw a Family Slumber Party
   Instead of dressing up and stepping out, dress the family in cozy pajamas, put up a tent or grab the sleeping bags, and gather some pillows and blankets. While you're waiting for the clock to strike midnight, relax by the fire, roast marshmallows, eat popcorn, and talk about your favorite things. Since most workplaces and schools are closed on New Year's Day, just relax, snuggle up with your kids, and have a good night's sleep.

If you're considering moving to the Bucyrus area, contact us to help you find the perfect home for your family.