Christmas Crackers
Christmas crackers may be tradi-
tional for Christmas dinner but they’re
equally as fun for New Year’s Eve.
These brightly wrapped cylinders are
pulled apart, breaking the cracker open
with a popping sound. Be sure to check
the prizes inside before purchase to get
kid-friendly items (most boxes of crack-
ers have a description on the back of the
box). Search “Christmas Crackers” on
Amazon for examples.
Family Time Capsule
Putting a time capsule together as a
part of your New Year’s Eve activities
can be a nice way to reflect on the past
year. This can be as simple or elaborate
as you wish! Grab a shoebox or big ma-
nila envelope and gather your time cap-
sule items. Ideas for what to include:
your child’s handprint, a family picture,
and an interview. Questioning your kids
about their current likes and dislikes, life
goals, and more is fun in the moment
and to look back on next year. Simply
Google “interview questions for kids”
for ideas on what questions to ask —
some bloggers even offer printable Q-
and-A forms. Once finished, tuck away
your time capsule and open next year.
New Year’s Eve
Picture Books
The night can get long and a quiet
break for storytime is good for everyone.
Try one of these holiday-themed books
to balance out the activities.
• The Night Before New Year’s by
Natasha Wing - The kids want to
stay up until midnight, but can they
make it?
• “Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution”
by Pat Miller - A fun way to explain
New Year’s Resolutions to children.
• “Shante Keys and the New Year’s
Peas” by Gail Piernas-Davenport
- This book introduces kids to the
way New Year’s is celebrated in dif-
ferent cultures.
Whatever you choose to do with
your family on the eve of the New Year,
you can make sure it’s memorable with
these sure-fire party pleasers.
December 2018 WNY Family 11