How to Make This New Year’s Eve Special Amidst a Global Pandemic

Let's be honest. We've all been ready to shout "Happy New Year!" since mid-March and the time is finally here.

But after nine months into a global pandemic, it's still not advisable to gather in large groups. Needless to say, New Year's Eve celebrations will look a little different this year, and we've gathered up some ideas to make this NYE unique and special in its own way.

Skip the late-night festivities. Celebrate Noon Year's Eve!

Maybe you have young kiddos. Maybe you have to work early on January 1. Maybe you just don't feel like staying up late to count down the final seconds of this dreadful year. If so, you can celebrate the new year a little early with Noon Year's Eve. Go all out: Whip yourself up a fancy brunch (mimosas and all), and count down the seconds until noon on December 31. It's all the same fun as a true New Year's celebration, but at a more reasonable time for early-risers and families with young kids.

Buy or create some festive decorations to send off 2020.

If you're looking for some inspiration for this year's New Year's decorations, Party City released a whole 'Forget You 2020' line including balloons, napkins, plates and more. It's pretty epic. If you're looking to make your decorations from scratch, you can draw some inspiration from Party City and personalize their line with your most memorable moments from 2020... good OR bad.

Prepare for a better 2021 with a "Happy Happenings" jar.

Mom, artist, and TikTok creator @karelytsosiee inspired us with this neat idea. She shared a video about her "Happy Happenings" jar, a custom-made container where plans on compiling all of the best parts of her 2021. When something good happens in the upcoming year, she will write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the jar to read on a rainy day. What better way to ring in the new year than to manifest it with a happy craft?

No matter how you decide to ring in 2021 (and say goodbye to the longest year of our generations), we truly hope it's the best, and that you stay safe and healthy into the new year. Cheers!