4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s with Your Senior Parents
New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate with the ones you love. If you’re fortunate enough to have your senior parents in your life, New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to bond over last year’s memories and have fun ringing in the new year. If mom or dad is usually in bed before the ball drops, don’t worry! Our assisted living team in Sussex County has put together a list of ideas on how to celebrate with your senior loved one at any time of day.
#1 – Champagne brunch to ring in the New Year at noon
Who doesn’t love brunch? Cooking up a storm and serving everyone’s favorite breakfast foods is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022. Invite friends, family, and neighbors – especially those that are elderly or who don’t have a family event to go to – to share in the cheer of ringing in the New Year. You can have a countdown to noon, complete with champagne, noisemakers, and silly hats! Any leftovers can go home with guests to enjoy later, and you can even make fun care packages filled with treats and goodies to start the year off on the right foot.
#2 – Dance the night away through the decades
Line up a playlist of all your loved one’s favorite bands from their best years and get ready to dance through the decades. Have all your guests dress up to fit the theme, make a signature cocktail to enjoy, and start dancing. You can even have a dance competition or invite a dance teacher to host some lessons!
#3 – Oh no, there’s been a murder!
Murder mystery evenings are so much fun, and they work for all ages and fitness levels. While you can plan your own party, there are also plenty of pre-made murder mystery kits available to purchase if you don’t have a ton of time to get a story and props together for your event. These kits are usually themed, so look for something that your loved one will really enjoy – maybe one that connects with their favorite books, decade, or hobbies. We’ve found a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, a Great Gatsby-themed mystery, and even one themed around golf.
#4 – Adopt traditions from around the world
Every country has its own interesting and fun New Year’s Eve tradition, so why not try a few out? Every hour, you can ring in the New Year with a different twist. For example, ‘first footing’ is a Scottish tradition that’s part of Hogmanay celebrations where you visit a neighbor and bring a small gift for good luck through the New Year. In Spain, the tradition is to try eating 12 grapes as quickly as possible and making one wish for each month of the year before the clock stops striking 12. Whoever wins gets the most luck!
Fun-filled family events for celebrating the New Year in assisted living
Bristol Glen is a part of the United Methodist Communities network of senior living communities across New Jersey. And because we’re supporters of a full and abundant life for seniors, we’re brimming with plans for celebrating New Year’s at our community in Sussex County! With a vibrant calendar of events, enthusiastic associate members, and an active set of seniors, we’re ready to welcome your loved one into our assisted living community in the new year.
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