If you’re going to a club or mixing it up at a big party somewhere that’s not in your New Year’s cards, never fear – there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself and the troops at home for “Auld Lang Syne.”
Speaking of Auld Lang Syne, what does that mean, anyway?
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song whose lyrics are attributed to the great poet Robert Burns. Translated into English, the title means: Old Long Since. The story is about old friends who raise a glass together and tell tales of joint adventures. There is no direct reference to the new year.
Staying at home this New Year may be more fashionable than ever, and a quick check of the internet reveals dozens of excellent ideas for a homemade celebration.
Use a sheet of poster board to create a memory display of everyone’s favorite 2021 events and moments. Use markers or colored pencils to draw illustrations that represent the highlights of the year.
Write a book around 2021. Pass a cute notebook, spiral bound notebook, or whatever into the room and ask everyone to add a few paragraphs about their favorite part of the past year. Each person shares their contribution before passing the book on to the next person. Illustrations may be included.
Make confetti shooters. Place small plastic boxes or cups filled with confetti around the house for guests to celebrate when the clock strikes midnight.
Treasure hunting. Place the clues under the sofa, chairs, and tables. Whoever finds the treasure first will bravely challenge someone else!
Dance competition. Turn up the music and relax those hips. Everyone votes on the shows. Get prizes available to the winners.
Time capsule game. Create a survey that asks everyone’s favorite movie last year, the best thing that happened to them, the craziest thing that happened to them, what they want to achieve in the new year, and what they are most grateful for this year. Mix everything up, have someone read it out loud and everyone will guess the responses that matches which one.
Video memories. Take out your camcorder or mobile phone from the OL and interview everyone with the same questions as in the time capsule game. Put all the interviews together for a nice keepsake to watch at the same time next year.
Match game. Everyone chooses a partner (hopefully someone they know well). A broker asks one partner a question about the other. Keep scores and distribute prizes to winners. Here are some suggested questions:
Choose three words your partner or best friend might use to describe your year.
Choose three words your partner or best friend might use to describe their year.
What are the best books you or your partner have read this year?
What is your favorite movie of all time?
With whom have you or your partner the most valuable relationships?
What was the biggest personal change for you or your partner from January to December of last year?
The most important lesson or lessons learned last year?
Two words that describe the past year.
The best thing that happened last year?
Unexpected joy last year?
Make a comprehensive fortress. Gather pillows, sheets, pillows, and mattresses in the living room and revisit the childhood years. Put on a Christmas movie, order some pizza and relax in some comfy pajamas. Kids will love it.
Treasure hunt. Provide everyone with a list of items to collect. Younger kids can mark an X when they find individual items, while older cleaners can use their smartphone to take a picture of each item they find.
Stomp bubble wrap. Kids and adults will enjoy this. Get plenty of bubble wrap (big bubbles are best) and spread the sheets on the floor just before midnight. At the end of the big countdown to 12… Jump away!!! The splendor of homemade indoor fireworks.
For those who want to get outside for a while, BLORA (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area) continues to display nature in lights until January 2.
Open at night from 5:30 to 11 p.m., this popular landmark features five and a half miles of holiday-inspired scenes and light shows. Gateway fees include:
Cars, Vans, Vans – $20
Limousines, Vans, Vans & Vans $15 – $35
24 passenger vans – $55
47 – Vans or a larger bus – $80
BLORA is located at 7999 Sparta Road, near the city of Belton. Besides Nature in Lights, the park offers things like camping, mountain biking, fishing, running, biking, free outdoor movies, half marathon fundraisers, and more.
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