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Remember the days when New Year’s Eve meant glittery dresses, crowded bars blasting Kesha, jello shots, and champagne toasts at midnight? As a new mom, or toddler mom, those nights might feel as distant as the stars. But fear not, tired mama! You can still celebrate New Year’s Eve this year with your little one and create a memorable night that’s just as special, even if it involves glitter glue and a bedtime before the clock strikes twelve. It may just turn into your favorite New Year’s Eve yet! Here are some sparkly and fun ways to make this New Year’s Eve extra magical for you and your little love.
Sparkling Activities for Mini Explorers:
- Sensory Safari: Transform your living room into a mini disco with string lights, colorful balloons, and sparkly decorations. Play upbeat music and encourage your toddler to crawl, dance, and explore under the twinkling lights. Remember, the magic is the experience, not the end result! Your little one will love all the sensory action. Try using a light projector like this one to turn your entire living room into a magical glow party under the stars! For a more cost effective option check this one out.
- Bubble Bonanza: Blow bubbles of all sizes and let your little one pop them with glee. You can even make giant bubbles using a hula hoop and dish soap for an extra-special effect. Or, use a an awesome bubble blower like this one to make a never ending bubble party. This Is sure to bring on the giggles and “wows”.
- Finger Paint Countdown: Get crafty with edible finger paints (think mashed bananas, yogurt, and food coloring) and let your toddler create their own countdown masterpiece. Hang it up and point at the numbers throughout the evening, giggling every time a colorful finger smudge disappears. The best part about using food to fingerprint is that it’s a snack and an activity! If you haven’t fingerprinted with your little one yet then yogurt mixed with food coloring is a great place to start. It may be a little messy but it’s taste safe and your mini will love exploring with it. You can also try these edible finger paints if you don’t like the idea of painting with food.
- Noisemaker Orchestra: Gather pots, pans, wooden spoons, and any other safe, sound-making objects. Let your toddler conduct their own mini orchestra as you ring in the “new year” at your desired bedtime. Add in noise blowers and colorful streamers to the mix with supervision of course. Check on Netflix or YouTube for old NYE countdowns or kids countdown and play it any time to celebrate your “midnight” together as a family!
Delicious Treats for Tiny Taste Buds:
- Rainbow Fruit Platter : Arrange melons, all the berries, and cheeses on a platter for a colorful festive snack. Use star cookie cutters to cut out shapes for the melon and cheese. Or use cookie cutters like these star shapes or a homemade stencil to arrange berries in the shapes of stars, animal, or anything your little one likes. Have fun with it!
- Mini Pizzas: Cut out small rounds of pizza dough and let your little one decorate them with cheese, tomatoes, and other safe toppings. Bake them and watch their eyes light up!
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and diced fruit in clear cups for a delicious and visually appealing dessert. Let your toddler sprinkle in some edible glitter or Sanding sugar for a touch of New Year’s Eve sparkle.
- Fun Milk or Juice Toast: Pour milk, or apple juice into clear plastic cuos and cheers in the new year!
Creative Traditions for New Beginnings:
- Time Capsule Treasures: Gather small, meaningful items that represent your year with your luttle one. Put them in a decorated box and seal it with the promise to open it on the next New Year’s Eve. This is a sweet way to reflect on your journey together and create a precious keepsake. It’s also a unique family tradition to start that your child will end up looking forward to each year.
- Wish Bubbles: Think of your hopes and dreams for the new year and wish upon a bubble. Blow bubbles outside together, sending your wishes up into the night sky.
- Family Movie Marathon: Snuggle up under cozy blankets and watch a lighthearted movie as a family. Something with music always gets my baby’s attention. Try Frozen, High School Musical, or something from the Queen herself- Ms. Rachel.
- Bedtime Countdown: As bedtime approaches, create a special countdown ritual. Sing lullabies, read picture books with twinkling lights, we love this one, or a fun new year’s eve story like this one, and whisper your hopes and dreams for your little one as they drift off to sleep.
Remember, mama, the most important ingredient for a magical New Year’s Eve is your presence. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the giggles, and savor the cuddles. This may not be the glamorous celebration you envisioned, but it’s one you’ll cherish forever. You’re creating memories that will sparkle brighter than any champagne toast, and those are the ones that truly ring in the new year.
And to all the new moms out there, Happy New Year! May your year be filled with laughter, love, and little hands that hold onto yours with the tightest grip. Here’s to rocking tiny pajamas instead of glitter gowns and midnight naps instead of midnight toasts. We’ve got this, mamas!
