~ by Richard Sgaglio
We all have our own ways of celebrating the holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Passover, and Kwanza. Many families have annual traditions and specific ways they celebrate the holidays. However, that is not always the case with New Year’s celebrations. According to Wallethub, 24 percent of Americans plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home this year. The personal finance company says 83 percent of Americans will spend less than $200 on ringing in the New Year.
About 15 percent of Americans plan on going to a public event or parties and six percent don’t plan on celebrating at all. Below are some fun, easy ways you can celebrate without breaking the bank.
Cook Foods for Good Luck
Although good luck foods vary around the world, each offers a fun way to celebrate the New Year with traditions from around the world. According to Good Housekeeping Magazine, many countries enjoy certain “good luck” foods on New Year’s Eve such as:
Other Ways to Celebrate
With shorter days in the winter, firework and light shows may be offered around the community and may start as early as dusk and they often feature music and other outdoor activities for you and your family. Connect with local community organizations and senior centers for groups going to view fireworks together. Outdoor activities are also less likely to be superspreader events in regards to flu and COVID-19.
Create a New Tradition
Starting a new tradition can be fun and symbolize new beginnings for the New Year. For example, in Japan, some people participate in a bowl-burning ceremony. In this ceremony, things you wish to change in the New Year are written down and then burned in a bowl. Others set their alarms for early morning so they can see the first sunrise of the New Year which they believe is lucky.
Celebrate With Classic Movies
Just like Christmas, there are many films set around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If Hallmark movies aren’t your style, here are some New Year’s favorites of popular movies that Fandango recommends.
Make Some Noise This New Year’s
Did you know noisemakers were actually used in ancient New Year’s traditions to ward off “evil spirits?” Homemade noisemakers full of rice, pasta, or beans are both a craft and fun party favor if you are planning on a crowd. Go out in the hallway, driveway, or balcony and make some noise at midnight. It’s one of the times your neighbors won’t mind you making a little extra racket.
Party Games
Hosting a New Year’s Eve get together and looking for something to do? Play these classic card games as you are waiting for the ball to drop:
1. Five-Card Poker
3. 500-Rummy
4. Canasta
5. UNO
6. Crazy Eights
7. Pinochle
Card games can be a great way to pass the time while you wait to ring in the New Year.
If card games aren’t your thing, board games or a classic game of bingo can also be fun to play while you are waiting for the clock to strike midnight. Here are a few suggestions:
It’s never too late to start a new tradition for the New Year! Whether you are reminiscing or ready to leave the old year behind and welcome in the new, there’s an activity for everyone. Set yourself up for good luck in the New Year and above all, have fun and be safe!