by Donna Carroll Batton

Created on: December 12, 2008

Are you, like me, one of those people who would rather spend New Year's Eve with your family instead of at some noisy party? Do you want to ring in the New Year with your husband and children at your side? New Year's Eve is a wonderful evening to spend with your family and make beautiful memories for all to keep in their hearts for years to come.

When my five children were young, I didn't like the idea of leaving them at home with a baby sitter while my husband and I celebrated the New Year without them. I am also, I admit, not much of a party animal. So we started our own New Year's Eve tradition.

We had a light supper at the usual time, reserving some appetite for later. Then we checked the TV listings for something we would all enjoy watching together. Usually there is a family movie on one of the many channels available to us today. I remember one year at our house it was "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Another year we watched "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." If you don't see a movie you can all agree on, you can rent one at the video store. The most important thing is to choose one that everybody will like.

If your children aren't the kind to sit and watch a movie, you can substitute games appropriate to their ages. Monopoly is always a family favorite. Junior Trivial Pursuit is another. This is a great time to break out one of the new games they got for Christmas. Let the kids choose. You can even have small prizes on hand for the winners.

Another idea that is sure to provide some interesting revelations is to have each child write out a short list of special things he or she remembers about the past year. Or a list of things they would like to accomplish in the New Year. Parents can also contribute to the fun by writing down some special things they remember such as Mary's dance recital or the "A" Johnny got on his Social Studies essay. This will not only provide fun and entertainment but will probably lead to feelings of pride and joy.

After enjoying the movie or game time, it's time for your special New Year's Eve party meal. Our favorite was pizza burgers, soda and snacks. This was a big hit the first year I made it so we continued the tradition thereafter. I will put the recipe for the pizza burgers below. You can, of course, serve whatever your family considers their special treat for the occasion.

This is, of course, the one night of the year children are allowed to stay up way past their bedtime. Some of the younger ones may not make it all the way until midnight. But for the ones that do, providing a few noisemakers will make the magic moment more special. With everyone snuggled together on the sofa, count down the seconds together as the ball drops in Times Square. What better way to ring in the New Year than with your family at your side!

These special celebrations made an impression on my children as they, also, continue the tradition of ringing in the New Year with their families even keeping the traditional menu of pizza burgers! So, make some memories in your family. And a very Happy New Year to all!

Pizza burgers:

Place several hamburger patties on a baking sheet. Put under broiler, flipping hamburgers to cook on both sides. When cooked, put a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Spoon one tablespoon of tomato sauce on the cheeseburger. Place a couple slices of pepperoni on top. Broil for a few minutes longer to melt the cheese. Serve on hamburger buns

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