by Heather Jones

Created on: December 31, 2009

Instead of wasting a lot of hard-earned cash on an expensive outfit to look good at a club or local party, try doing something that won't cost you a thing.  In the end you'll receive the same result  - a hangover. 

From my personal experience, I've found ways to have fun on New Year's Eve without going to a party or a club.  I live in Las Vegas, NV - "The Party City".  So how do I avoid all of the parties? It's easy.

First, I go online and look up something that might interest me.  For example, last year I attended the New Year's Eve 2009 Tribute Palooza.  Sounds like some kind of party, right? But, it really wasn't.  It was an event on Fremont Street with about eight tribute bands.  Sure, there was beer and alcohol, but it didn't cost me anything to get it.  Some people paid $10 or $20, but that's still fairly cheap.  I spent the whole night with my family at one of the stages listening to the band playing.  Then, we watched the fireworks at midnight. 

Another fun event is walking the Las Vegas Strip on New Year's Eve.  A lot of families do this because children are allowed.  The police allow you to carry your alcohol as long as it's in plastic cups or containers.  I attended this two years in a row and we did nothing but walk up and down the street taking in the pretty scenery and mingling with the others who were there.  At the end of the night a variety of casinos set off fireworks at the same time and the show was beautiful.  Did we have fun? Oh yes.  Did we party? Nope.  Afterwards, we walked home and called it a night. 

I'm a young adult and I find that parties aren't my cup of tea when there are much more interesting things out there to do that are fun and memorable.   When I was a teenager, I didn't party, either.  On New Year's Eve I spent my night at home with my parents.  We would watch the fun television specials and bring in the New Year with a glass of champagne.  When my children get older (and I do too) I will most likely be doing the same thing with them.  I will teach them to have fun like I did without going out, partying, and getting into trouble. 

Learn more about this author, Heather Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.