Christmas is officially over, and Hanukkah will be ending soon. All of the holiday specials have stopped airing, and it’s back to business as usual- almost. There’s still one more holiday to celebrate- New Year’s! Many young kids don’t quite understand the concept of the New Year, but you can help them understand (or at least have fun with it) by trying out some of these fun crafts and activities.

If you’re having a party that includes younger guests, make sure you have snacks, drinks and activities to keep them entertained as well. Here are some ideas:


Practice Counting Down

Team Umizoomi would be proud! Practice counting backwards from 10-1 with your preschooler. Not only will it prepare them for the big countdown on New Year’s Eve (if they’re still awake, that is), it will give them a chance to practice their mighty math powers!

New Year’s Toast

What’s a New Year’s Celebration without a toast? There’s a great, easy recipe for a New Year’s Fruit- Sparkle Punch on Nick Jr.’s website. Served in pretty glasses, it’s a great way to include the kids on the New Year’s toast.

Make a New Year’s Crown

Pick up some foam crowns from your nearest craft store, some sparkly gems, and stick on designs and let the little ones at your party (or your own kids) make themselves a sparkly New Year’s crown! This is a great was to keep kids entertained during the party that’s not too messy or involved.

New Year’s Noise Makers

At the stroke of midnight, make some noise! Homemade musical instruments are a great way to introduce music to your child and give them something to make noise with as the New Year rings in! Take an old coffee can and let your child decorate the outside with construction paper or paint and glitter. Or, take two paper plates and let your child decorate the bottoms of both. Fill the old coffee can with rice, seal the lid on tight with glue or tape, and let them shake in the New Year! Take the two paper plates and tape or glue the unpainted edges together, leaving about a two inch portion unstuck. Fill with beans and tape or glue closed. When the glue dries, you’ve got a great tambourine! Use these instruments as noise makers for the big day. The Fresh Beat Band would be impressed!

With a little advance planning, you can make sure your little party guests have a blast! Happy New Year!