11 Ways To Celebrate New Years Eve

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One of the busiest yet most exciting times of the year is undoubtedly New Years Eve. As the dawn of a new year approaches, people worldwide look to bring their next 365 days in with good vibes. Although the common goal of NYE is to celebrate making it to another year, there are definitely two different types of people when it comes to approaching it. There are those who always seem to have their plans for the big night set in stone weeks in advance. Then there are others (most of us) who wait until the last minute to figure out how we’ll be occupying our time on December 31st.

Whichever category you fit in, when you make your arrangements isn’t the most important thing…what you’re going to be doing is. If you’re a pre-planner, you might already have reservations for your favorite restaurant and tickets to the most exclusive party in the city. If making on-the-fly decisions is more of your speed, you might just be banking on linking with friends and letting the night play out. You could also just know that regardless of what’s happening everywhere else, you’re going to be in your house. No matter your circumstance, the hope is that you enjoy yourself! Even when options seem slim, there are countless things you can do to make your New Years Eve one to remember. Check out our list of things you can do to bring in the new year below. Happy Holidays!

1. Throw A Game Night

Now while we don’t expect your game night to get as wild as this one did…these are a great idea. The best part of game nights is that there are so many games you can choose from. Taboo, Monopoly and Uno are games that a lot of people can be involved with at once. If those aren’t up your alley, actual card games like Spades might do the trick. No matter if its Kings Cup, Beer Pong or King’s Cup, drinking games are always a lit time!

2. Have A Movie Marathon

Around the holidays, there are always a boatload of new series and movies dropping on all the streaming platforms. Even if you’d rather rewatch a series you’ve already seen, you can’t go wrong here. Put on your favorite pajamas, have your food close and indulge yourself. 

3. Host A Paint & Sip

Another great option if you don’t want to go out. Grab all of the supplies and tell your friends to bring the drinks! There are videos to groups through specific paintings or you can let the liquor guide you and freestyle a masterpiece. 

4. Go To Church

If there’s anything we can’t have ever have enough of…it’s GOD. Going to church on New Years Eve is a great way to go into the new year feeling cleansed and on one accord with the Lord. Amen, Hallelujah!

5. Make A Vision Board

What better way to plan and envision the year to come than by creating a vision board? If you want dreams and aspirations to become reality, you need to write them out. You need to see them. This will help drastically. You can do this alone or with others. Creating a bucket list and writing out resolutions for the new year fit in this category also.

6. Do A Staycation At A Nearby Hotel

Sometimes a change of scenery is the perfect thing put you in a refreshed mood. Rooms might be pricey, but if you don’t mind spending the money, even just one night in a hotel would be well worth it. 

7. Find Local Fireworks

Most cities do some sort of fireworks on New Years Eve. Whether it’s a big show or a local one, fireworks are always a sight to see. Counting down to midnight against a backdrop is magical!

8. Go Bar Hopping

Sometimes we need a drink. Sometimes we need four. New Years Eve is one of those nights where if it’s the latter, it’s perfectly fine. As long as you’re drinking responsibly and not driving while intoxicated (CALL AN UBER/LYFT), bar hopping is a solid way to bring in the new year, especially with friends.  

9. Go Out To Eat

Get dressed up, head to your favorite restaurant and have your favorite meal to bring in the new year. Honestly, it doesn’t even have to be somewhere fancy. Being somewhere familiar feels on holidays feels great. New Years Eve is no different. 

10. Watch The Ball Drop

People gather in New York City every year to see the spectacle that is the ball drop at Times Square. It is a bucket list item for a lot of people to be able to do it. If you’re not so lucky to make it this year, you can watch it from home while you pop champagne as the clock strikes midnight!

11. Partake In Your Traditions/Rituals

Although a new year is approaching, some old traditions/rituals will be around forever. Cooking black eyed peas or collard greens have always been a way that Black people have brought in the coming year. Sometimes washing clothes or decluterring your house is mandatory before the year ends. Whatever it is that you usually do, don’t forget what’s important to you!