7 Things to Do New Year’s Eve that Doesn’t involve going out

“Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

“Ringing in the new year” refers to the old tradition of celebrating beginnings and endings with bells—à la Tennyson’s 1850 poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells.” Are you wishing a few more days could be added to this year or are you ready to kiss the old one goodbye? Either way, here’s a list of ways to celebrate! From staying at home to elegant rooftop soirees and skate parties, here are a few things to do on New Year’s Eve in West Michigan.

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Create a Vision Board

Vision boards are a collection of images or objects arranged in a way to help manifest your goals or vision. All you need is a poster board, magazines, printed pictures, artwork, glue sticks, paper, pens, and other art supplies. This is a great opportunity to sit down and reflect on the past year and revisit your goals for the new year. Simply follow your intuition, or you can also divide the board into different sections to represent different areas of your life. Jean Van’t Hul walks through this beautiful process here. 

Organize a Game Night

Invite your fellow game lovers over for a night of laughter and competition. You can even make it tournament-style and give away prizes at the end. Choose what game you want to play and a few for backup then clear off the coffee table and prepare some easy finger-food snacks before playing some music and letting the games begin!

Celebrate Solo

Create a one-of-a-kind celebration just for you! After this year, you deserve to be celebrated! Enjoy the happy party vibes, minus the other people. You can decorate your space and dance the night away. Simply by dancing and moving the body, you can call in positive energy to bring in the new year. Put together a playlist of your favorite tunes, cook up or order your favorite food, and wear whatever your heart desires—it’s all about you!

Host Your Very Own Soiree

Give friends and family the excuse they’ve been waiting for to get all dressed up, without having to make any dinner reservations—host your very own fancy dinner party! This is the perfect opportunity to revisit those infamous Pinterest recipes and come up with a menu fit for the occasion. Don’t forget to create a beautiful tablescape with florals and place settings. Send out the invitations and celebrate the beginning of a brand new year with those you hold dearest.

Reflect and Meditate

Grab a snack, your favorite journal, and prepare to process what happened this year. Now is the time to sit with yourself and reflect. What was the best thing that happened to you this year? What’s the best way to describe the past year? What did you accomplish this year? Did your goals change during the year? What did you accomplish that you didn’t think was possible? It is crucial to take a moment and check in on your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.  

Throw a Cinema Night 

It’s time to get cozy! Ditch the repetitive New York ball drop and gather your friends to celebrate with a movie night instead! The themes to pick from are endless. You can choose between your favorite movie franchise, actor, or location (Los Angeles? Italy? New York?). The night wouldn’t be complete without some takeout, popcorn, and a bottle of bubbly. Kickback, relax, and watch some truly epic films. If you’re planning on watching a few tear-jerkers, don’t forget to bring the tissues. 

Do Nothing 

Is your energy low? Who says you have to celebrate traditionally? Listen to your body. If you want to rest, you should! It’s so easy to feel pressured to celebrate the new year with drinks, parties, and staying up all night. Sometimes though, the smartest choice is the better one. Falling asleep before midnight is okay. Ring in the new year while binge-watching your favorite show and eating pizza—no shame in that game! Give yourself permission to follow your heart and happiness. While some people are going all out with extravagant events, that doesn’t mean you have to. Get rest and relax.

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Decided to go out after all? Here are some ideas!

• Places to Stay for New Year’s Eve
• Outdoor Dining in West Michigan
• New Year’s Eve in Grand Rapids
• Dining Out New Year’s Eve Grand Rapids