Lifestyle 5 Fun & Safe Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve This Year 12/28/2020 | By Terri L. Jones You’re probably more eager than ever to bid the old year farewell; however, unfortunately, you can’t ring in this New Year with the parties, the large gatherings, the swanky hotel, and restaurant affairs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Here are five extraordinary and safe ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve! Gather Virtually or Outdoors Maybe you can’t host a large indoor party, but you can host a virtual gathering and have almost as much fun. Zoom with extended family or a group of friends and toast to making it through 2020. Or invite a handful of neighbors to gather outdoors and raise a glass to a happier and healthier New Year. Dress for Success (in the New Year) Just because you’re not going to a fancy New Year’s Eve party this year, you can still look like you are. Pull out your sequined gown, cummerbund or bow tie, do your hair, and shine your shoes so you look like a million bucks when the clock strikes 12! If you’re going to wearing masks, add some festive flair to your everyday masks with hot-glued sequins or sparkly paint. Eat, Drink and Be Merry! Half the fun of a New Year’s Eve party is indulging in extravagant food and festive cocktails that you normally wouldn’t have the rest of the year. Thankfully, that’s one thing you won’t have to sacrifice this year; you can still eat well while still partaking in safe ways to celebrate New Year’s! Put together a huge charcuterie board with a variety of unusual meats and cheeses you’ve been wanting to try. Or plan an appetizer cook-off where everyone in your household makes a different app and you pick a winner at the end of the evening. Pair your gourmet spread with a fancy cocktail or two to toast the New Year. Things to Remember Despite the hardships and struggles, you and your family and friends have undoubtedly also made some good memories this year. Maybe your family has a new addition or a grandchild quarantined with you for a few weeks. How about all those Zoom birthday parties and porch visits? Compile the best photos you took this year into a scrapbook where you can look back on 2020 and smile. Things to Forget And for all the trials and tribulations, write them all down on slips of paper, sit around a firepit and toss the bad stuff into the flames. Then make a vow to make a fresh start in 2021! Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.