Life
10 Things To Do On New Year's Eve If You Don't Feel Like Watching The Ball Drop
“What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?” You’ve probably been asked some variation of this question at least 18 times by now, and the truth is, you just don’t know. You’ve already been to the ball drop in your city last year and the year before that, and you’re not trying to brave the crowds, the cold, and the ridiculous traffic all night again. It’s about to be 2018, so it’s time to do something different. You’re looking for something to do on NYE instead of going to a ball drop party, and I completely understand.
There are tons of things you can do on NYE that don't involve standing in a crowd of thousands of strangers and counting down in unison. Heck, even watching the ball drop on TV can be kind of a buzzkill — just watching the crowds freezing in Times Square brings back memories of chilly New Year's Eves of yore. Being in a more intimate setting with people you actually know and like is the best way to bring in the new year, in my personal opinion — and with these suggestions, you don't even need to focus on the fact that we've rolled into the new year.
1Karaoke
Some bars with karaoke will be open on New Year’s Eve, but if they’re not, you and your friends can definitely pull up YouTube videos with the lyrics and have your own personal karaoke party. Reminisce on the past year by singing 2017’s most popular songs. Throw in some songs from the '90s too just because.
2Sleepover
Who said adults can’t have sleepovers? They were just plain incorrect. A sleepover on New Year’s Eve is a great idea, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol. It's never OK to drink and drive, and New Year's Eve is a particularly dangerous time to be out on the roads regardless.
3Vision Board Party
Vision boards help you map out your personal, professional, and social life. Writing down your goals and adding pictures will give your vision a tangible place in the universe, and visualization is a powerful mind exercise. Bounce ideas of your friends and help them out with their vision at a New Year’s Eve vision board party. Hang up your creation in a place where you’ll see it every day in 2018. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.
4Get Started On 2018 New Year’s Resolutions
Are you resolving to exercise every day or to read more books? Why wait until 2018 officially comes? Get a head start on your 2018 New Year’s resolutions on NYE. You’ll feel great that you’re already on top of your goals.
5Dinner Party
If you’re a part of a group of friends that isn’t into party-parties, invite everyone over for a dinner party. You can cook all the dishes or you can make it a potluck. You’ll be sure to share a lot of laughs, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have leftovers for the next couple of days.
6Game Night
If you have friends who are super competitive, a game night will be a hilarious and memorable way to bring in the New Year.
8Write Your 2019 Self A Letter
Writing a letter to your future self is a personal way to speak words of affirmation across time. Tell your 2019 your goals, your fears, your desires. Ask for advice. Warn yourself to avoid certain obstacles. You’ll be happy to know you were thinking of yourself a year from now. This is an easy tradition to keep up for years to come.
9Rooftop Party
Never waste access to a good rooftop. A rooftop party is the best of staying in with friends and going out. You can see all the fireworks across the city, and when you get tired or too tipsy, you can go downstairs and go to bed. It’s a win-win.
10Movie Night
Catch up on the great movies from 2017 you haven't seen yet. You can do a movie night alone or with friends. Either way, you'll finally get all the pop culture references you've been confused by all year.
Switch it up this New Year's Eve, and do a fun activity alone or with friends. If you find that you rather go a ball drop party, it's chill — there's always 2019.
