New Year’s Day Traditions

As we are prepping for the start of the New Year, it is a great time to reflect on the year we just had AND we have much to be grateful for this year! We have had a lot of changes happen in our lives as I am sure many of you have, too, and are excited for what the year to come has to offer. Yes, New Year’s Day is just a day like any other, but it can also be a great bench mark for us to set in our heads to start new goals. If New Year’s Day doesn’t work for you, choose another! (i.e. the first Monday of the month, the 10th, etc.) Whatever your need is to set a goal, just do it! Create your start date and do not put it off until 2013!

Happy New Years from the Gardners and Fun On a Dime!

And on that note, we move on to our…

New Year’s Day Traditions

This year we are experiencing a little different weather than we did last year….

Okay, big difference! It was in the high 70’s today. L.O.V.E. it! Let’s just say that I will be investing in a few more pair of flip-flops this year! (P.S. The best (longevity and price) flip-flops I have bought for my kiddos were from the Children’s Place. They even have the perfect toddler sized ones with the back strap and are available year round online. To get an even better discount make sure to use a Children’s Place coupon code.)

So with our current weather #1 on our list is to do something fun outside during the day! But if you are on the chilly side of the thermometer, fun inside is great, too! An Indoor Snowball Fight always ends up more entertaining than expected. Use what you’ve got on hand…paper, pillows, and socks are great alternatives! And we are definitely going to play the M&M Straw Game this year, but with a twist…see the tip below.

Tip: If you do not have shake straws (but have regular straws) or have younger younger children who do not have the lung strength to suck up the M&Ms, use dried beans instead. Pinto beans work great! I learned this from my son’s very smart Kindergarten teacher. Such a great alternative!

Then on the schedule is an easy dinner (most likely it will be Homemade Pizza because the kids always request that) and then a Star Wars movie. And probably the biggest scandal of the night (the kids do not know, yet, so it doesn’t count, right?)…

We Don’t Wait Up Until Midnight – We Fake It!

And when we are ready to wrap up the evening (usually around 8 or 8:30), I search on youtube for a video of the ball dropping for another time zone that has already hit midnight. We will countdown with it and then watch the after show on the video. Then the kiddos head off to bed leaving Mom and Dad with a few hours to enjoy on our own. The best thing about this is that we are all not up until midnight wired or grouchy, depending on the person, and we wake up in the morning with happy kiddos!

Whatever you do choose to do this New Year, remember to make some fun memories, take at least one picture, and enjoy the ones you love! Have a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!

What are your plans for New Years?