new years eve ideas at home

New Year’s Eve is going to look a whole lot different for many people this year because of Covid-19. It won’t be much different for us as we usually spend New Year’s Eve at home. But for others, New Year’s Eve usually means going out for dinner, a banquet hall for a dance, or a night on the town.

This year, many places have restrictions and here in Ontario, we’re in a lockdown which means all non-essential businesses are closed including restaurants, bars and large social gatherings. So what can you do for fun this New Year’s Eve if everything is shut down?

Well, guess what? You can still have a fun New Year’s Eve this Covid year! Here’s how to have a fun New Year’s Eve this Covid year:

How to Have a Fun New Year’s Eve This Covid Year

Virtual event.

Sure technology has a few downsides, but this year, being able to connect virtually has been a lifeline for work, education and keeping in touch with friends and family. Many businesses have pivoted to online, with creative ways to keep people engaged and spending their hard-earned money. There are many online games, classes, tours and activities that you can participate in virtually, and there is no better time than on New Year’s Eve. Join a virtual event

Toronto is hosting a variety of virtual events, here is a list of them: 15 virtual events for New Year’s Eve 2021 in Toronto (blogto.com)

Scavenger hunt.

Arrange a virtual scavenger hunt with some friends or family on a Zoom call. Virtual scavenger hunts are remote games where players have to collect items and finish challenges before time runs out. Since we can’t go out to find things, this idea is to finish items in your own home, and fulfil the challenges at home as well. Accomplish all the tasks and find all the items and present them to your challengers via video call. Here are some fun ideas: Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ideas & Sample Lists (teambuilding.com)

Virtual escape room.

Another idea is to partake in an online escape room. How does it work? Teams are placed within a virtual room and presented with a mystery. They then have to crack codes or complete challenges to escape. Here are some of the best escape rooms to try this year: The best virtual escape rooms to play with friends this New Year | Spectator Life

Board game night.

Pretend the internet is down, and the TV can’t connect and bust out the old board games for a night of laughs and challenges. Our favourites here are classics like Monopoly, Game of Life and Clue, and the newer fave, Speak Out. Playing a game of Spit, 21, or Gin Rummy with a regular deck of cards is also fun, and even more competitive when there is a small reward involved. Enter to win the board game Clue here: Holiday Gift Guide for Kids and a Giveaway! amotherworld

Karaoke fun.

A karaoke machine is also a fun way to spend the evening. Belt out your favourite tunes while your children watch on, and your teenagers roll their eyes at you. Want to include family members outside your household? You can connect on Zoom, Watch2Gether, or Houseparty, the video-calling app that makes for an easy and fun virtual gathering. Here’s how to set up a virtual karaoke party with your friends and family online: How to Throw a Karaoke Party on Zoom | WIRED

Video game tournament.

Have a video game tournament with the family. My boys love playing NHL hockey on the PS4 against each other. The kids have been playing multi-player virtual games such as Fortnite and Minecraft for some time now, so they know how valuable gaming is to connect with their friends. This is how the new generation Z socializes, especially this past year.

For the musically-inclined, compete in a round of Rock Band, or have a Just Dance competition in your family room. If you don’t know how to set it up, just ask the kids – they are likely much more technically savvy than you are!

Get dressed up.

Closets full of clothing but nowhere to go? Now is the time to dress up in fancy outfits and take photos of one another. The dress you were supposed to wear at your child’s Grade 8 graduation, or the fundraiser event that was cancelled this past summer? Wear it on New Year’s Eve. Might as well get a little fancy, even if you have nowhere to go!

Create some new photo memories.

While you’re all dressed up, arrange a photo shoot. Take some pics for memories because 2020 has been like no other, and for social media if you dare. Feeling spunky? Perform a few silly dance videos while you’re dressed up and post them on TikTok.

Can’t be bothered to get out of our pajamas? Totally understand! Instead, stay cozy in your loungewear and take some fun photos with the family with face-changing apps on Snapchat or Instagram. Silly faces are optional.

Stay safe and have fun! Happy New Year!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash

What are your New Year’s Eve plans? Do you prefer to stay home with some family and friends or go out for a night on the town?

Here are some New Years Eve party ideas and get inspired… or not!

Make plans early

When you have kids, it’s hard to make plans early, especially if your kids are prone to getting sick around the holidays (like mine). But scrambling to make New Year’s Eve plans last minute is never any fun. Avoid the stress by deciding as soon as possible. Make your reservations early to avoid disappointment.

Host a potluck dinner

Going out to eat may not be the best idea. Getting a reservation can be tricky to begin with, and restaurants tend to charge quite a bit on New Year’s Eve. Instead of the expense and added stress, host a casual dinner party at home and ask each of your friends to bring a favorite dish. Less stress + more food = fun times.

Play the Host

If you’re hosting… Make sure you stock up your New Year’s Eve decorations and paraphernalia early so you’re not running around last minute. Good dollar stores are great for these items – if you have enough time to get creative, make your own printables and decorations. You’ll definitely want some noisemakers and party hats and confetti. Don’t forget a full bar and of course, champagne!

Keep your Friends Safe

If you’re hosting and know that some of your guests live far away, have some extra pyjamas on hand in case they need to crash at your place.

Entertainment

Whether you’re watching the countdown in Times Square or not, have cards and game boards handy too. A karaoke machine is also a fun way to spend the evening, or if you have kids, set up the Wii or Rock Band so you can entertain your guests with fun, interactive games.

If it’s an adult-only party, well then play some funky music and let the drinks flow! Or bust out the ole Twister game and get completely awkward and inappropriate!

Choose a Theme

If you’re hosting a party, why not do a theme? Try a casino night theme or old Hollywood glam, disco or celebrity look-a-like. Once you’ve chosen a theme, the rest – decorations, music, cocktails – will come easy.

Don’t Drink and Drive

We don’t want to preach but it’s so important to choose a designated driver if you’re going out on the town. Better yet, take a cab or even book a hotel – anything that doesn’t involve getting on the road. If you’re hosting a house party, remember that you are also responsible for serving liquor. Provide a place to crash if some of your friends aren’t able to drive.