New Years Tips

If you're plans include a party on New Years Eve, arrange for a designated driver or plan on calling a cab. DO NOT drive after you've been drinking. Not only could you kill or maim someone but at the very least you have a chance of being arrested and/or losing your license.

Make New Years resolutions. The new year gives us a fresh start and it's an opportunity to redefine and reset our goals through New Years Resolutions. Be realistic about what you can achieve. More importantly, take your resolutions seriously and commit to following them through.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Make your own noise makers for New Years Eve. Take small coffee cans, jars or plastic bottles and put beans in them. You can then paint them or dress them up with colored tape or other decorative coverings.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Make your New Years Eve night a memorable one. Consider visiting Times Square in New York City and watching the ball drop. Just be prepared and expect a tremendous crowd. Get there early. Use the bathroom in advance and bring some snacks and small games to hold you over. Be sure that you dress warm and bring an umbrella in case it rains.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Don't miss the Tournament of Roses parade on New Years Day. This popular and extravagant parade has been around since the 1800's and is a New Years family tradition in many households across America.

__________________
Shop BuyGifts.com for Gift Ideas!

Don't try to just remember your new year resolution in your head, write it down! Think of little ways to remind yourself of your goal. For example, if your new year resolution is to start a new diet, place a sticky note on the fridge door as a reminder.

You should plan ahead. Don't wait to decide your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset at that particular moment. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.

Don't forget your calendars! You may find that the perfect time to mark your wall calendars with birthdays, special occasions, etc. is while watching the Rose Parade on TV or during the many football games later in the day.

If you are superstitious, don't forget to eat your pork and sauerkraut at midnight, or at the very least, at some point during the day January 1!

A New Year's party at a hotel is one great idea if you have the money because at the end of the night you will have a room to go back to and won't have to worry about getting home. You can party as much as you want since you do not have to go anywhere but back to your room. Check with your local hotels to see if any are having such an event.

One week into the New Year.....are you still consciously thinking about your resolutions and holding yourself to them? It's a good idea to set a day weekly to reflect on what your goals are.

If you must make noise on New Year's Eve, do not fire guns or use fireworks. The old couplet is still true:

"I fired a bullet into the air
It fell to earth I know not where."

Bullets can land anywhere and cause serious injuries or deaths. BTW, firing guns and setting off fireworks are illegal acts in many cities.

Use pots, pans and (hand drummers take note!) musical instruments to make safe and sane noises to celebrate the New Year!

__________________
keepin' the beat goin' and passing it on!

Keep in mind, if you can't make it to The Big Apple, many larger cities (including St. Louis) offer family-friendly, alcohol-free "First Night" celebrations. If you haven't already, check your local newspaper listings and have fun on a local level! And TipsDude's recommendations work anywhere, too!

__________________
keepin' the beat goin' and passing it on!

And black-eyed peas, too! That's another great New Year's Day food tradition, and it goes great with pork and sauerkraut!

If you dare, there is a Spanish custom in which people try to eat 12 grapes (one for each hour) at midnight. The practice is supposed to bring good luck.

I DO NOT recommend this for children or anyone who has difficulty swallowing.

__________________
keepin' the beat goin' and passing it on!