The actual evening event that is New Year’s Eve has always been a stressful time for me. More so than Christmas which I’ve always associated with family, New Year’s Eve always felt like a time for being with the friends I felt I didn’t have and as such it’s always played into my worries about being unliked. I have grown so much in recent years that I can see now that this is not true and that many people have many different kinds of New Year’s Eve. I no longer have a feeling of missing out but I don’t think New Year’s Eve will ever be my favourite event of the year. What I do love and focus on instead is the promise of the New Year itself and to celebrate the day with a walk and a special lunch.
For those of us who don’t enjoy New Year’s Eve as much as some, for those of us with little ones we can’t leave, those with no plans or plans that have been cancelled as well as those throwing parties or hoping for a fabulous night out, here are a few ideas on how to pass the evening.
For those staying in on their own maybe get a takeaway and watch a film. I think the new James Bond would be a good one or, if you feel like something on the opposite scale, what about Little Women? If there’s time after that maybe have a bath and a pamper, treat yourself to some nice skincare, light a nice candle and allow yourself to feel no pressure to stay up until midnight. If you do want to see the New Year in maybe think about three of the most positive things you can about 2021 and raise a glass to 2022.
If you’re staying in with little ones hold a party before they go to sleep, they don’t have to stay up until midnight but you can still have music, party food and games, glow sticks and party poppers for whenever you decide ‘midnight’ might be. You can find countdown videos on Youtube and they could have a glass of juice, in a champagne glass, to toast the ‘New Year’ in. Ask them what they’ve loved about the past year and if there’s anything they’d like to see happen in 2022.
If you do know friends with similar aged children in might be nice to invite them around for a party. It is amazing how often people don’t have plans but think that everyone else does. If you are hosting a party, be it for children or grown ups, it may be nice to dress up. I always associate New Years Eve with wearing sparkles, both children and the adults. If you’re hosting an adult party what about creating a few different cocktails? If the evening is just for two of you why not prepare a special meal, dress up and lay the table prettily, you can’t go wrong with good food and a glass of fizz. If everyone makes it to midnight you can watch the countdown and head outside to watch for fireworks or light some sparklers.
Whether you end up in bed asleep by 10.30pm or you’re up partying into the early hours I do hope everyone has a safe and happy evening!
The Folio 