The New Year series's final post is for families that want to be festive and celebrate while still valuing sleep. The consequences of having a late-night celebration may not be worth the impact for the next day. If staying up late isn't right for your family, celebrate with a country that sees the new year in a different time zone. You can set your clocks to countdown and celebrate in style consistent with your chosen location.
To be extra festive, make decorations in the themes of that country you have chosen. Your family can even explore the culture deeper through books found at your local library and/or Youtube videos. And don't forget the food! Ordering preparing some traditional New Years' foods from your chosen destination.
There are so many great options for different countries and cultures you could explore, but this website may help you narrow down your choices. Just pick what time you want to celebrate with your family, and it will give you the names of a few countries and cities that will be ringing in the New Year at that time!
Some of my favorite location ideas-
Brazil
Midnight in Brazil is 8:00 PM in Colorado! Celebrate like you're in Rio De Janeiro or Beuno Aries! In Brazil, it is customary to wear white on New Year's Eve. It is also expected to coordinate the underwear color for the day with your New Years' wish! In case you are curious, I found this list online.
White – peace and harmony
Silver – innovation
Blue – serenity and friendship
Green – good health and hope
Red – passion
Yellow/gold – money and happiness
Pink – romance and love
Purple – spiritual connection
Orange – creativity
Black – independence
If you want to show off your New Years' wish, modify this tradition to fit your family by switching out the colored underwear for a colored t-shirt.
If you want to eat in true Brazilian fashion for the new year, you will want to cook up a pot of lentils and find a pomegranate. And don't forget to find the nearest table or chair and get off the ground when the clock strikes midnight.
Greece
Midnight in Greece is 3:00 PM in Colorado! Traditional Greek new years activities include marathon card games (because the new year brings good luck), smashing pomegranates (symbol of prosperity), and eating the traditional Vasilopita, a New Year's Cake) at midnight. This cake has unique coins and charms hidden inside. Whoever receives the pieces with the coin will have good fortune throughout the next year! A quick search didn't turn up any local bakeries in Boulder to buy a cake. However, there are several recipes online, and it looks like a relatively simple recipe.
And don't forget the food! In Greece, they mark this occasion by filling their tables with food grown locally. You could do the same and source the food for your New Years' celebration from the local farmers in your area. Or you could support a local restaurant with an authentic Greek meal.
This blog post wraps up my 2020 ideas for celebrating New Years' during a Pandemic. What ever you do, make sure that you are having fun and enjoying a connected evening with your family. Elaborate celebrations are memorable and fun, but simple, joyous, and connected moments are the foundation in relationships. When planning your New Year's, make sure you find the right fit for your current energy level and capacity, and recruit help. For kids, the process of so much more important than a 'Pinterest perfect' product. Enjoy making Memories.