Happy 2008!
With the bustle of the holiday season behind us, it may seem as if most celebrations are dying down. But who says that New Year’s has to be just a daylong celebration? Why not ring in the New Year a new way this year with a whole month of family fun? Gather your crew together and get set to make 2008 your best family year yet.
A world of wishes
Put a new spin on New Year’s resolutions by making it a family affair. Make it a fun, bonding event by creating a whole night around it. It’s also a great way to help your kids learn about setting goals.
Give your family the heads up a few days in advance so that they’ll have some time to think about it. Instead of posing them as resolutions, an idea that tends to have a lot of guilt around it and is sometimes difficult for kids to understand, pose them as 2008 wishes. Then take some time to cut up small pieces of paper, maybe using scraps from recycled holiday cards or scrapbooking sheets. Choose a different colour ink for each member of your family. Set the mood for reflection with a Glade Wisp® Flameless Candle. While you’re pondering your wishes for a new year, it is releasing a fresh, relaxing scent.
Sit down all together and talk about your wishes for 2008. Try to make sure that everyone has one that is realistic, one that is a stretch and one that is complete fantasy. Talk as a family about how you can help support each other to make your wishes come true. Then fold up your written wishes and place them in a special “Wish Box”. Place this box somewhere you’ll be able to see it regularly to be reminded of your wishes but vow not to open it until next New Year’s Eve!
If you’re doing this at dinner time, bake a carrot cake for dessert. If you’re icing the cake try low-fat cream cheese or a simple fruit glaze. Put a candle for each member of your family on the cake, light the candles and then remind everyone to think of their wish as they blow it out!
Decade a day
Another fun way to celebrate the new year is to take a look back through the decades. Have each family member choose their favourite decade and then designate one night a week as “time travel” night!
Decorate the table with things that take you back to the decade of their choice. These can be inexpensive and even home-made, as long as they keep in the spirit of the evening. For example, for a fifties-themed evening, try using old records as place-mats or a vintage radio as a centrepiece. Break out that old poodle skirt and roll down your socks and encourage your family members to dress up as well. Be creative with these costumes…it might be a good time for a trip up to the attic to dig out your old disco shoes!
Ask each family member to share three facts about their favourite decade. This can be a great way to weave in your own family history as well. What better way to spend some fun, quality time together and get a little history lesson at the same time!
