6 Ways to Bring in the New Year with the Family and Friends!

It's that time again - time to open our minds to a brand-spankin' new year! 2022 has had its tumultuous moments for us all it seems, so we decided that, for ourselves, we will view ushering in 2023 as an exciting and a once-a-year-unique opportunity for family fun in celebration of a fresh start. We have tossed up some thoughts! Here are six fun and memorable ways to bring in the new year with a bit of wonder for the kids and growns alike; let us never underestimate the value of wonder...:

1. Throw a sky party.

If the weather is right (or able to be defended with some warm and layered duds and your strongest constitution), look to the heavens at the midnight hour for a stellar start to 2023. Enjoy the interplay between our planet's timetable and the glorious gifts of the night/early morn sky. There are websites a-plenty that give current moon phases, constellation placements, planetary appearances, and heavenly anomalies to observe so we can appreciate the most incomprehensible and spectacular of natural occurrences - an open sky at midnight. earthsky.org is a go-to for us. What better time to revere such an inspiring and symbolic piece of creation than at the moment a new revolution begins? If clouds pervade or precipitation prevails, which is oft the theme of life, remember at midnight that "To everything, there is a season," and a heart of light will illuminate the way.

2. Have a movie marathon.

Set up an inspirational movie screening itinerary (with use of a sheet or screen in the house [or outside if weather is optimal for fresh air viewing] if projection is possible) and pop some popcorn, then set your family up with a comfy seating area of couches, bean bags, lawn chairs, yoga mats, or quilts to watch some favorite inspiring movies all day. Have the kids create their own movie list, or combine a few of your favorite soul-infused family flicks for a marathon of awesome entertainment to boost you into the new year with gravity and optimism! Although a Christmas favorite, "Its a Wonderful Life" is a good addition to any perspective-changing movie queue.

3. Make New Year's resolutions together.

A great way to bring in the new year is to set goals together. Talk to the younguns about what they want to accomplish in the upcoming year - individually and collectively ; invite true reflection and help them envision possible change and the blooming that is possible. Once the intention is set, accountability is announced and the likelihood of achieving those goals is boosted. Whether that means saving for and embarking on a family vacation, learning and perfecting new skills, or even just making sure the chores get done without frustration and fail, resolutions help everyone focus on their aspirations for the coming year and enjoy their fruits. Speak them; pen them; and revisit them - hopefully with success at hand for more celebratin'.

4. Have a dance party.

Few things get people in the spirit of freedom and freshness quite like a dance party! Round up any recent hits and favorite oldies, and get muscles and souls moving to some jams. Using Music and Dance, two apt companions for joy, you can set the world right and segue into a 365day revolution with the most ancient of celebratory pastimes. Shake out the belaboring days gone, and set a groove for growth and abundance. Don’t lose the opportunity to turn up the wick, get decked out, plug in the lights, twist up the knobs, and make the energy sensory and tangible! The Universal Language is Music, and Dance is the offspring. Nothing is more "family" than a dance party!

5. Create an artwork or craft.

There are so many options on this choice for radicalizing New Year's Eve. The coolest part is you'll have a work of art to bring you happiness all year. Cut magazines and curate a collage collective; Put together a festive banner that reveals your plans and resolutions for the future, or complete a puzzle and preserve it. Framed puzzles make for supreme wall hangings, and this could become a sweet tradition. Make sure to put the finishing touches on the project before midnight and take lots of pictures to remember your crafty countdown.

And while we're a it - let's go ahead and make #6 the most classic of all nudges and suggestions .....

6. Engage in a dramatic countdown.

Go nuts wit the the countdown and celebrate with 111% soul when that clock strikes midnight! Maybe let each kid pop a balloon until countdown’s end. Provide instruments - pots and pans will do beautifully, and bring the ruckus! A toast or a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne" is always apropos. The real crucial part of this suggestion is the power and strength of heart that can be circulated and absorbed by a collective of positive, hopeful, believing spirits.

In Conclusion

No matter how you choose to celebrate New Year's Eve with the kids, family and friends, make sure it’s special. Spend the evening together making memories that will last long into the future and bring needed smiles if supply gets low. Here’s to 2022, and 'How do ya do!' to a fresh start. 2023 — a whole new year ready to be filled with great family fun, personal growth, and wonder!