Ringing in the New Year with Loved Ones

While New Year’s traditions and activities of 2021 (like hosting a big New Year’s Eve party) came to a halt due to the global pandemic, ringing in 2022 can be a bit more comfortable as we continue to regain a sense of normalcy. Whether you plan to keep things virtual or you’re ready to emerge from your quarantined life.

Make It a Movie Marathon

It’s easy to create lasting memories by starting a new family tradition of throwing a movie night with one (or more!) of the best classic New Year’s movies. Some of our favorites include Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, Sleepless in Seattle, A Lot Like Love, When Harry Met Sally and About Time. For a full theater-like experience, craft DIY tickets, whip up batches of popcorn, set up a cozy blanket fort and dim the lights automatically.

Declutter Your Space

Take cues from Marie Kondo and pare down your belongings to just those that spark joy. It’ll be a great way to enter a new year with a fresh — and tidy! — start and inspire you to maintain the habit month to month. Organize items in coordinating bins and on matching hangers for a satisfying arrangement, and create a giveaway pile to drop off gently used items at a local donation spot.

Watch the Times Square Ball Drop

A tradition since the early 1900s, watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square makes a fun way to gather the family and create a new tradition. With no planning involved except browsing your TV program guide to find a stream, and perhaps grabbing some snacks, it’s the perfect choice for a low-key New Year’s Eve.

Make a List of Resolutions

Whether you vow to stick to a fitness regimen or simply wake up 30 minutes earlier each morning, setting goals for the year can be a great way to look back on one’s accomplishments — no matter how big or small. Take some time to jot down a list of achievable goals to incorporate throughout the year, and share them with friends or family to help motivate each other.

Host a New Year’s Brunch

It’s never too early for champagne on New Year’s Eve, so pop some bubbly and enjoy a festive spread to end the year and start a new one on a delicious note. Pick up some sweet pastries and savory quiche from your favorite local bakery, or go all out with a make-it-yourself waffle bar with all the fixings.

Call a Loved One

The end of the year is the perfect time to check in with your loved ones. Whether it’s looking back on fun memories made together or simply wishing them well in the new year, it’ll add a touch of meaningful spirit to your New Year’s celebration. Just make sure your wifi connection is strong — nobody wants a dropped call in the middle of heartwarming story!

Play a Game

The best part about parties are the games — so stock up on a few to get the good times rolling. Keep things classic with Scattegories, Bingo or Telephone Pictionary for the whole family to enjoy. Crowd favorites like Never Have I Ever or Two Truths and a Lie can easily be transformed into New Year’s versions. Just make them Never Have I Ever...in 2021 and Two Resolutions and a Lie. For those calling into a party on video chat, there are also plenty of virtual games to play, including the Jackbox Party Pack series.

Make a Scrapbook

Just like 2020, the year 2021 was also one to remember. Commemorate the past 12 months by putting together a scrapbook or photo album. It's a great way to get your creative juices flowing and look back on all the incredible memories you made.

Create a Memory Jar for the Year Ahead

Look back and then look ahead by decorating a jar to keep over the next 12 months to fill with fun mementos. From ticket stubs and birthday cards to bar coasters and Polaroids, opening the jar on the next New Year’s Eve will be a fun way to walk down memory lane.

Learn Something New in a Virtual Class

From learning how to make gnocchi to supporting your local yoga studio with sun salutations, you can learn a lot in the last few hours of the year! You can even get ahead on New Year’s Eve drinks by taking a cocktail class — nobody will have guessed you mastered their beverages mere hours before the festivities.