When we think of a New Year’s party we think of adults toasting with champagne at the stroke of midnight, but what about a playgroup New Year’s party? Celebrating a new beginning is something all of us can do–and who enjoys parties better than kids!

Ways to Celebrate the New Year with Your Playgroup:

Pick a time. It doesn’t have to be on New Year’s Day–do it at a time that’s convenient for all.

Ask different playgroup members how their family and culture celebrates the New Year. Ask them to bring part of their traditions to your party.

Some popular New Year’s traditions are: a seafood fest for Italian families or greens and peas for those who live in the South–collards for “green” cash and beans, such as black-eyed peas or pinto beans for coins. Buy “fake” champagne for the kids–sparkling wine and purchase plastic flute glasses for the full effect.

Make your own party hats. Cut triangles out of construction paper, glue or staple and decorate with stickers, foam cut outs, and even make pom-pom toppers out of tissue paper. You can also make your own noise makers with leftover jingle bells from Christmas and drums made out of oatmeal cylinder cans.

Talk about firsts. Have the kids list things that come first–the first time they rode their bike without training wheels, the first time they performed on a stage, the first time they saw their new puppy. Have them create a small book of firsts so they can continue to celebrate when they lose a tooth, visit grandma alone, or hit a home run.

If you want a grownup New Year’s party, why not all chip in and hire two or three competent teens? (don’t forget to think about asking guy teens–they make great sitters and can really get into playing games with your boys) You can have a spend the night party with sleeping bags, movies, and take-out pizza for the kids. Plan some activities to keep them busy throughout the night (twister, movie and popcorn time, indoor bowling or bean bag toss) and that way all of the grown-ups get to celebrate together and know their kids are having a good time, too.

Do a countdown. It can be a countdown to noon instead of midnight. Get a 3 foot ruler, cover it with paper and mark ten notches. Make or buy a piñata and create a lever where everyone can count down the notches until the piñata its zero–then celebrate the “new year” with confetti, treats, and hugs and kisses for all!