Countdown to New Years...Easy Last-Minute Ideas

Hello friends!

I realize New Years is t-minus 10 hours.

Nothing like last minute suggestions!!

These are easy though so maybe a couple will pop out at you!  

I love the fresh start of a New Year, full of hope, 

such a great feeling!  On the heels of Christmas though,

we usually stay pretty low key around these parts.

I am working on a Christmas wrap up blog post

and since I didn't know how long that could take {smile}

I decided to sneak this one in.

Since we're ringing in twenty-twelve,

here are TWELVE great last minute ideas to celebrate the New Year!

{via}

1. A New Years Parade

Parade around your neighborhood with hats, beads, recycled noisemakers {i.e. beans and water bottle containers}.  My friend organized this, what a great idea right?!  We are bundling up and heading out around 4pm.  So if you hear a wild rumpus, it's us!  I will let you know how it goes!

2. Pinata

It's a little late to make one, but if you're staying in, it's a little something fun to splurge on.  We got this disco ball pull-string pinata last year from our Party Store, it was a huge hit with the boys.  We counted down and then they pulled the pinata strings!  

3. Bubbles

Our local Children's museum has a bubble bash it's so fun.  They countdown the hour at noon.  Gather all of your bubble making supplies, head to the bathtub and fill the room...add some bubble bath, instant fun.

4. Interview your Kids

I love this idea for any time of year, birthdays, especially.  It would make for a great New Years tradition too.  You could make up your own or use one of these ready-made printables.

{teachmama.com}

{all for the boys}

5. Countdown Bags

These have been talked about a lot, really a great idea.

Every hour on the hour, starting at 6pm say the kids open one bag

with an activity in it...watch a movie, make sundaes, play twister.

This would be great for a night in with friends.  You could draw some clocks

on the outside of paper bags with slips of paper.  

These beautiful ones are from 

the idea room.  

{the idea room}

6. Midnight {or faux Midnight} Snack

Some Pinterest inspiration...adorable and can be done quickly

especially if you use store-bought cupcakes {grin}.

{dreamers-Martha Stewart}

{via}

7. Keeping Memories

This one is always on my list of resolutions, a better way to keep our memories.  I used to use a journal, write things on calendars, but this one

I could actually do.  Take a jar, use any scraps of paper and write down those 

things your kids say that you never want to forget.  I know I have lost some of the really precious ones thinking I would remember.  It doesn't have to be perfect or super pretty, just do it and think of all the things you could do with that info!  I am committing to this one this year!!

{inchmark}

8. Oreo Cake

OK so we don't have time maybe to construct this one.  I included it for plain awesomeness and before PINTEREST had ripped this page out of a magazine for my oreo-loving husband.  The black and white are great for New Years.  This idea I am saving for his 40th birthday...I have a few years to make it {smile}. 

Don't tell him?!!

{via}

9. 2012 Bucket List

Go on and make that list! This one is super pretty.  Again

mine is just some scribbles in a journal.  Things I want to do with my

husband and kids.  I know writing them down makes them seem

a little more possible and real and gets the planning started!

{two peas in a bucket}

10. New Years Printable

This amazing printable from The 36th Avenue could be your only decoration!!

Hop on over to print one out.  I always think if you download a printable for free, follow the blog, just a common courtesy!!

{The 36th Avenue}

11. Time Capsule

Fill it full, let everyone contribute, and open it in 5 years, 10 years, you decide!!

{Kaboose}

12. Make your own New Years Ball

You may even have all you need for this adorable craft, loving it!

Click the link below for instructions. 

{Kaboose}

However you enjoy today it will be special!!

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy New Year...

full of wonder!!!

{michelle}