Cheap Ways to Ring in the New Year

I am always amazed at how much money people are willing to spend on one night of fun to ring in the new year. It’s not just the cost of the event at restaurant hotel. It’s the cost of the dress or the tux, the new shoes, a possible hotel stay, a limo and more. If that’s what they want to do, more power to them. If you’re more like me and would like some more affordable options, you’ve come to the right place.

Have a party at your home. Provide finger foods and ask each family to bring an appetizer, as well. Buy enough champagne or sparkling cider for a midnight toast, and ask your guests to bring the beverage they want to drink. Just be sure to monitor your guests to be sure they are safe to drive home.

Have family game night. Let each family member choose a game to play and play them all. Set out snacks or your family’s favorite finger foods and have fun enjoying time with each.

Go Bowling and have pizza. There are two bowling alleys near my home and both are offering New Year’s Eve specials. They are considerably cheaper than typical New Year’s Eve events and are closer to home (for us anyway). One place offers two different times, so small children can still have fun but make it to bed at a decent time.

Attend a party or event at a friend’s house. For years, it has been our family’s New Year’s tradition to hang out with two other families at a home where it was legal to shoot fireworks. Once we have our fill of those, we head inside for a game of Scene It or other family-friendly party game. Sometimes we are there until 4 a.m. just having fun with friends.

Have a family movie night and pajama party. Much like game night, let each person choose one movie, and watch them all as a family. Take a break to maybe make your own pizzas or make ice cream sundaes. Set out a bunch of blankets, cushions and sleeping bags on the floor and let the whole family sleep in one spot.

Host makeover night. Invite a bunch of girlfriends to your house for manicures, pedicures, hair and make-up fun. As one of the “girls” if their husband will host a guy’s night at their house. That way everyone has something to do.

However you choose to spend New Year’s Eve, enjoy yourself and stay safe. Happy New Year from Neighborhood Credit Union!