Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the New Year

Contributed by Aurora LaJambre, Catalogs.com Info Guru

Unlike December’s earlier holidays, New Year’s Eve doesn’t have a specific set of traditions to follow in celebration.

People celebrate New Year’s Eve in their own way. Some host parties and dinner, others go dancing or use the holiday to do try something adventurous. Then, across the world, after a few hours of celebration, there’s a pause at midnight.

Grab someone special, throw on your favorite outfit and start the New Year on your own terms. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, chaotic, fun or fancy night, there’s something on this top 10 list for everyone.

10. Sleeping

Though not the most exciting option, sleeping is the activity of choice for many small children and people who prefer to spend the night as they spend every night – warm and comfortable in their bed. Set the alarm clock for 11:55, watch the ball drop on T.V. or simply call family to say ‘Happy New Year’ and return to sweet dreams.
9. Watch Ball Drop in NYC

Not everyone understands the appeal of venturing to New York City on New Year’s Eve only to stand outside in the cold for hours, surrounded and squished by strangers until the ball drops. Five minutes after midnight Time Square looks like a confetti storm dipped down and swept away the crowds leaving only trash and props behind. Still, many people have a NYC in Time Square on their bucket list. Dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and brag that you checked off one bullet on your bucket list on New Year’s Day.
8. Walt Disney World

Disney World is party central for many families on New Year’s Eve. Complete with parades, rides, light shows and performances by your favorite characters, a Disney New Year’s will start the year with a bang. Make dinner reservations as far in advance as possible and arrive at your park of choice early in the morning as many parks reach capacity by the afternoon. Fireworks light up the sky at the stroke of midnight.
7. Watch Home Movies and Eat Your Favorite Foods

Families with small children make their own tradition with a buffet of favorite foods and a night of home movies. Watch videos from previous New Year’s or events that occurred throughout the year, light a fire and set out slices of pineapple for good luck.
6. On the Slopes

Many ski resorts host New Year’s parties against a backdrop of white mountains, burning fires and hot food. The whole family can enjoy skiing by day and fireworks by night in the festive company of fellow snow bunnies.
5. Romantic

A reservation at a nice restaurant or an intimate homemade dinner in the company of your significant other is a simple, romantic way to celebrate the future. Wear something sexy, make a champagne toast and savor that once-a-year New Year’s kiss.
4. Southern Charm

In Savannah, Georgia, locals gather at City Markets New Year’s street party for live music, dancing, food and fireworks. You can book a cruise on a riverboat for a midnight toast on the river. Stick around for the New Year’s Day polar bear plunge.
3. Run 4 Miles in Central Park

While a mass of people stand pressed together in Time Square, another (more spacious) gathering forms about 30 blocks north in Central Park. Join the New York Road Runners for a festive 4-mile run beginning at the stroke of midnight. Hundreds of runners and non-runners run beneath the fireworks each year. Arrive early for music and festivities at the band shell. Enjoy the champagne stop at mile 2, local crowds cheering you on and the bagels after. Wake up on New Year’s Day with 4 miles already under your fitness belt.

2. Fireworks over the Falls

Take in the scenic, peaceful falls on the New York side of Niagara Falls during the day. At night, head to Queen Victoria Park for food, live music, drinks and the firework show over falls for a breathtaking New Year’s Eve spectacle. More than 3 million lights illuminate the falls for the 30,000 people in attendance and the nation that watches the live broadcast.

1. Host a Party

Sometimes it’s fun to get all dress up. Give yourself social circle someplace to go and host a pot luck New Year’s Party in your home. Hang a disco ball and white Christmas lights, play the ball dropping the background and make a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight.

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