New Years Eve Traditions

Do you have specific New Years Eve Traditions that you do for good luck? The turn of the New Year brings with it new resolutions, thoughts and prayers for a good year ahead and so much more.  It is a time to be thankful for what the past year has given and look forward to what the year ahead will bring.  This is another wonderful time of the year to develop family traditions that will last a lifetime.

New Years Eve Traditions

 Traditions can center on how you and your family actually spends New Years Eve.  For example, you can create a tradition to stay in, cook a big meal, reminisce about the past year and watch the ball drop over Times Square.Other traditions that can be created in the home, and on a budget, is to take down the Christmas tree and holiday decorations as a family and prepare to bring in the New Year.Another fun activity is to have every family member talk about their favorite memory of the previous year and make wishes/resolutions for the following year. This is a great way to spend some quality time with your family.  Some families find the traditions of their ancestry to be the most appropriate way to ring in the New Year. For example, in Mexico families eat a grape twelve times during the midnight countdown and make a wish each time.  Each Mexican house will be decorated in colors that represent their wish for the New Year (red equals improved health).Other fun activities for all include creating a time capsule or a themed scavenger hunt. This is especially fun for the kids. You can have them gather small items that meant a lot to them this past year, or create a list to put into your time capsule. Kids can even write a letter to themselves about their favorite memories from the previous year so they can read it in the years to come. I know my extended family always eats kielbasa and saukraut to bring in the new year because it is said to bring you good luck.For those families who are more inclined to be out and about during the celebration, most cities and towns will have some family friendly activities available. As is typical during the holiday season as long as the activities are done with the people you love, they will be a success!What New Years Eve Traditions do you have, please share in the comments below.