For those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), something as simple as going to a New Year's Eve party is not always possible. New Year's Eve also tends to revolve around drinking, which may not be a good choice for those who are not feeling well. Staying home with friends and family can be more rewarding for your spirit and more beneficial to your health. But what will you do on a New Year's Eve at home? Here I have some ideas for a New Year's celebration that you can host yourself or that you can bring to the party of a friend or family member. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time with those you love and remember to look forward to the promise of a new year.
1. Throw (or Attend) a New Year's Eve Party
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A small gathering gives you the chance to unwind from the holiday stress and spend some time with those you may not have seen for some time. Make it easy on yourself by throwing a potluck, where you ask all your guests to bring a dish, or order takeout from a favorite local restaurant.
2. Play Card Games or Board Games
Photo © Pam Roth
Card games have always been a fun idea for parties, but board games are also very popular, and there are hundreds of titles to choose from. No matter who is attending your party, you're sure to be able to find a game that will accommodate everyone. Games are also an extremely frugal form of entertainment, because you can purchase one board game and the number of times you can play it is limitless. Card games even more so because with one deck of cards you can play so many different games, and you can use almost anything around the house (pennies, candy, buttons) to "bet" with or to use as markers.
3. Talk About Your Resolutions
Photo © scottchan
A great conversation-starter for a party is to go around the room and have everyone talk about their New Year's resolutions. Some people make several, and others don't like to make any, so it should make for lively discussion.
4. Host a White Elephant or Gag Gift Exchange
Photo © Stefan Vasilev
Everyone has a weird gift they received during the holiday season. Ask your guests or family members to bring a "white elephant" gift. These could be gag gifts, or something totally useless or tacky. Number each gift. Then put all the numbers in a hat and have each guest draw one out. Guests receive the gift with their number on it (if they get their own gift, they should draw again).
5. Watch The Ball Drop -- Again and Again!
Photo © Idea go
Depending on what time zone you live in, you can celebrate New Year's every hour by watching celebrations in other time zones on television or on the computer via web cams. You could even serve food or have decorations with an international theme when you celebrate each "New Year."
