New Year’s Traditions

New Years Traditions (4)

If ever there was a year to ring in with as many lucky traditions as possible, then 2021 is it! To wit, the kids had fun testing out customs from three other countries to start the year on the right foot.

For the first, we tried this Colombian tradition of wishing for travel and adventure in the year ahead: take a suitcase for a walk!

New Years Traditions (3)

Of course the kids wanted to pack theirs up (with stuffed animals and socks!) before we took a silly stroll around the neighborhood.

New Years Traditions (5)

Next up, it was time to leap into the new year – literally! Apparently a Danish tradition, I gave Travis permission to jump from the coffee table to the couch. The kids also perfected their jumping skills from couch to floor.

New Years Traditions (1)

And finally, we invited good luck into our home by opening up all the kitchen cabinets just before bed, a tradition from the Philippines meant to bring good fortune. (If you live in a warm enough climate, open up doors and windows, too!).

New Years Traditions (6)

What lucky traditions will you use this New Years? Please share in the comments!

New Year’s Eve Noisemaker

noisemaker-4

I was skeptical that this homemade noisemaker would produce the right kind of sound, but by golly, it works! Not as loud as the noisemakers you buy at party stores, it’s the perfect pitch for little kids’ ears.

First, cut a piece of paper to a little bit smaller than two large craft sticks. Travis had fun cutting out shapes with his safety scissors while I set this part up. Sandwich the paper strip between the two craft sticks.

noisemaker-1Cut 2 (1-inch) pieces of toothpick. Place 1 toothpick over the paper on one end of the craft sticks, and the other toothpick under the paper on the other side; secure with washi tape.

Now put it to your lips and blow – you’ll get a great party blower sound! You could add tassels or stickers as additional decoration, if desired.

noisemaker-2

For a rockin’ New Year’s eve dance party at home, here’s our playlist, care of “Family NYE” on Spotify:

Happy by Pharrell Wiliams

Firework by Katy Perry

Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake

Theme from New York, New York by Frank Sinatra

Everything is Awesome!!! by Tegan and Sara

All of Me by John Legend

The Final Countdown by Europe

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson

I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas

Twist and Shout by the Beatles

Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus

Rather Be by Clean Bandit

Auld Lang Syne by Susan Boyle

Happy New Year by ABBA

This Will be Our Year by The Zombies

Happy 2017 to all!