Ringing in the New Year with Family
It’s hard to believe that 2018 is just around the corner. 2017 was an eventful year to say the least, both at a national and international level. It flew by, as did this Christmas season. The hustle and bustle of Christmas is exciting, but can also be tiring. However, New Year’s can be a more relaxing, laidback holiday to catch our breath and recharge with family and loved ones before we tackle the year ahead. There are many fun and relaxing activities to do with family to make this New Year’s an extra special and memorable one.
The internet can be an easy first step to finding new and creative ideas to ring in New Year’s with your loved ones. Many of the ideas you will find are inexpensive, family-friendly, and easy to do. One such idea is to create a delicious “mocktail,” which all members of your family and loved ones can enjoy to toast the New Year. You can break out your mixology skills and develop your own custom recipe using juices, soda water, etc… Be sure to give it an imaginative name and pour it into nice glassware to make it extra special for the younger members of your family.
Another family-friendly idea is to enjoy fireworks together. After researching locations where such displays will be taking place, gather some blankets, and drive with your loved ones to a site to enjoy the spectacular display together. A similar option here in the riding is to explore Christmas in the Park in Orangeville, hosted by the Optimist Club of Orangeville at Kay Cee Gardens (29 Bythia Street). This spectacular and unique lights display, which runs nightly from December 02 to December 31st (5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) is sure to please every age group. Admission and parking are free.
A fun activity for everyone to ring in the New Year is to make holiday crackers to add some glitz to your New Year’s dinner table. You only need a few supplies to create them, such as: toilet paper rolls, treats, wrapping paper, and some other things you can find around the house.
Another unique idea is a New Year’s Tree. For this activity, have everyone work together to remove all of the Christmas decorations from the Christmas tree, leaving just the lights. Once that is done, let your imagination run free, and redecorate the tree with New Year’s-themed decorations. The decorations can be things from around the house. The finished product will create a whole new look for the tree for everyone to enjoy before the season comes to a close.
You can always host your own party at home with your family and loved ones. Everyone can get into the spirit by making party hats, confetti, and noise makers using items and craft supplies from around the house. The party can also include easy, homemade New Year’s-themed games or you can break out your favourite, classic board games. This is guaranteed fun for everyone.
Another not-to-miss event here in the riding that’s sure to be fun for the whole family is the Annual Grand Valley Polar Bear Dip in the Grand River on New Year’s Day (January 01, 2021) at Old Firehall Dam in Grand Valley. The event is hosted by the Grand Valley Lions Club and takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the dip starting at 1:00 p.m. sharp. All funds raised go to the local food bank.
These are just a few ideas to ring in the New Year with family and loved ones that can be found on the internet. The possibilities are endless and one activity may lead to discovering a completely new idea. You may also find some of them will quickly become annual traditions in your home. Regardless of how you decide to ring in this New Year’s with your loved ones, I sincerely wish you a very healthy and happy 2018!