By: Natasha Archary
Going out for a New Years Eve bash may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially for families with kids who don’t want to be out and about popping bottles until the clock strikes midnight.
Many will be ringing in the new year from the comfort of their homes, using the night to reflect on the year that was. Those families who have lost loved ones, may not feel up to celebrating, and may just want a quiet night in.
For those who do want to start honoring people in our lives who are no longer with us, new years eve traditions give families a way to pass down sentimental acts which allows one’s memory to live on.
If you’re looking for a way to remember your fallen family members as we end 2023, here are 5 ways you can start New Years Eve traditions with your loved ones:
Time capsule
Write letters to each family member, addressing the issues you may have had this year.
Look to the year ahead holding yourself accountable to change the areas within yourself that you fell short on. Collect all the letters and put them into a decorative box, together with memorabilia from the year.
Once done, find a safe place to store the time capsule, out of reach until New Years Eve 2024. This is when you all sit down and go through the memories of the previous year and continue the tradition every year.
Story time
Most children under the age of 12 are likely tucked away in bed before the clock strikes midnight. Children love being snuggled and read to before bed and it builds such a strong bond and gives an opportunity for you to have a quiet conversation connecting.
Choose a feel good story that will leave your children feeling fuzzy. Of course, you should read to your child regularly but making it known that this story time is special or that the story is, gives them something to hold onto.
Let go
This year has tested us all. Pent up anger, frustration, regret and disappointment, hurt and loss often dampens New Years Eve celebrations.
This is especially true with families who have experienced something life altering like a death in the family, divorce, job loss, etc, which is understandable.
One should reach a level of understanding that these are all out of our control and therefore this should not consume you. It is important to let it all go. Light a candle at midnight and calm your thoughts as you watch the flame flicker in the dark.
Collage
Get your family involved in creating a colourful picture collage of the year that was.
Print all your favourite pictures and pin them onto a memory board/picture frame/cardboard.
This work of art can then be hung up to reminisce at your leisure. This year needs to be remembered, if for nothing else but that you survived it.
Family movie
Get everyone involved in putting together a movie night. Blankets, pillows, fairy lights, popcorn and a good family movie while snuggling up on the couch or in bed together, is a good way to reign in the New Year.
Give each family member a choice of movie and it could be a movie binge night that is one for the record books.
However you’re spending this New Year’s Eve, we hope it is everything you wish for and all that you deserve.
Kaya 959 wishes you a Happy New Year filled with good fortune and prosperity.
