In our house, we keep things interesting with our own version of a New Year’s ball drop: a balloon-popping countdown with hourly activities that range from silly to serious with a lot of loony in-between.
Here’s how to play:
Write down 12 family activities on individual slips of paper and insert one into 12 balloons before inflating.
Number the balloons 1 through 12 with a Sharpie and you’re all set.
Beginning at 1 PM on New Year’s Eve, pop one balloon an hour and do the activity you find on the sheet of paper inside. (If your kids aren’t "going the distance" that night, just do enough balloons to last you until bedtime.)
The activities can be anything – making a favorite snack together, blowing bubbles in the kitchen, playing Twister, whatever floats your family’s boat. I always try to mix sure-fire hits (Jenga!) with a few quieter, more thoughtful projects.
A few suggestions:
Make a family vision board. Similar to a wishing wall, but a great choice for kids who are too young to write or use their words as effectively. Make a collage from magazine clippings that inspire you and your family - and don’t forget to date it. The look and feel of your family vision boards will grow and change along with you.
Finish-the-sentence books. Fold a few pieces of blank paper in half and staple at the crease. Orient the “book” vertically, open to the middle page and staple again at the top. Write an incomplete sentence on the top flap (“I am thankful for…” and “I am happy that…” are good options). Then have each family member complete the sentence on their own page at the bottom. Illustrate if desired!
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year 2018!
Quick links to get you where you want to go:
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