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HomeFirst Night 2008 (Part II): New Year's Eve

First Night 2008 (Part II): New Year's Eve

First Night 2008 (Part II): New Year's Eve

Are you bringing in the New Year 2008 by going out or are you spending the night in with family and friends? Whatever it may be, make it a great one and bring in the New Year with a whole lot of fun, laughter and a treasured memory.

One of our New Year's Eve traditions has been to stay home with family and friends and have a night full of fun games, fireworks, music and food.

Favorite Games:

Mad Gab-Set the timer and get ready to figure out these silly phrases that will have you laughing hysterically. 2-12 players/age 10+. Can you figure this phrase out? Hay Vera Hop Agnew Ear

Phase 10-This is like Rummy with a twist. 2-6 players/age 8+
Catch Phrase-This is a fun game that where you have to give out as many clues as possible until your team guesses the phrase or word before the buzzer goes off. This can be a physical game and is fast paced, so you need to be ready to keep up. 4-8 players/age 12+
Scene It-Gather around the TV, load up the DVD and get ready for this fun game of trivia. 2 or more players/12+

Music: Get out all your CD’s or MP3 players and bring in the New Year with a song, a dance and how about some karaoke?

Food: We make it simple. Pizza, salad, garlic bread and drinks.

Start a New Tradition:

  • Write a letter to each of your loved ones (have them do the same), seal each letter with a kiss and a wish and hide them all in a place to be opened on December 31st, 2008. Do this every year and you will find how exciting it is to open each of those letters. Remember, no peeking and don’t forget where you put the letters.
  • Write a letter to yourself sharing the vision you have for the upcoming year and write it as if it has already happened. In your writing include your goals, dreams and aspirations. BELIEVE in the words you are writing, own them, breath them in and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you have accomplished when you pull out the letter to read it on December 31st, 2008.
  • Make a Treasure Box. Find a small box (big enough to fit your letters) and decorate the box to your liking. You can make this individually or as a family or group effort. However you make your box, make it special.
  • As Katerina Gasset has suggested in My New Year's Gift To You Active Rainers start a Gratitude Journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for everyday. To add to that wonderful suggestion, prior to your first writing in your journal, pull out 5 pieces of paper and write on each one something you are grateful for and place it in your Treasure Box. You can put a twist to this and add the 5 things you are grateful for to the back of a photo.
  • Scrap Your Treasures in a scrapbook when December 31st rolls around. This may seem like a lot of writing, but I can tell you it's well worth the time and the treasure itself, makes it that much more valuable.

As you walk down your path of your life's journey in 2008, I wish for you to have a New Year full of peace, joy, happiness and so much love.

*Feel free to share your traditions and such in the comments*

For ideas on getting out in Utah on New Year's Eve, please read:

First Night Utah: Make it Great in 2008


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Julie Neerings, GRI- Heart of Utah Real Estate Copyright © 2008- If you are considering buying, selling, military relocations to Hill AFB or relocating to Utah, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Julie Neerings is a Utah REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in the cities of Layton, Bountiful, Woods Cross, West Valley, West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman and all surrounding cities.

Posted Sunday Dec 30
(12/30/07 04:28PM) — Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation

I'm going to start on that gratitude journal....thanks for ALWAYS being a positive force on AR.

(12/30/07 04:35PM) — Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN

Wow Julie thats a great idea.  As for us, we are staying home...nice and safe, cozy and warm, LOL, Happy New Year to you too.

(12/30/07 04:42PM) — Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate

Love the journal idea...nothing like starting the day on a positive note!  For the first time in YEARS we will be at home on New Year's Eve, and I am really looking forward to it.

(12/30/07 05:27PM) — Kay Perry

We are just staying home where it is safe.

(12/30/07 06:16PM) — Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR®

Sally: What a great way to get the new year started.  Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. 

Bob: Oh, the cozy evenings at home.  Enjoy and thank you for your very kind comment.

Lisa: Home is a good place to celebrate the New Year.  I'm glad you like the journal idea.  I have done that in the past and what a difference it makes.  Consistency is the key. Thank you for your comment.

Kay: Good for you!  We enjoy staying home as a family too.  Enjoy your holiday and thank you for your comment.  

(12/30/07 06:29PM) — Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont.

Julie,  Can I come to your house for New Year's Eve? It sounds like great fun....

I love the list of things to do.....my last bf used to write little love notes on tiny pieces of paper and leave them hiding all over my place, including in books. Then after he'd flown back to Seattle, I'd find them unexpectantly and smile.  It was a nice gesture and one I really appreciated (we weren't compatible in the end and I had to end the relationship, however he did have many very nice qualities). Thanks for the reminder..

A gratitude journal sounds very fulfilling....

Jo 

(12/30/07 07:34PM) — Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth

Julie, I'm such a hermit the last ten years. My wife and I ALWAYS spend quiet New Year's Eves. I've already been an excellent letter writer so that one wouldn't be new for me, but I like the scrapbooking idea. I used to do that a long time ago but maybe I need to re-visit that one. Thanks for the tips. Gratitude journals are great!

(12/30/07 08:47PM) — Linda Scanlan

Julie - I love your ideas! I like the idea of writing letters and leaving them until the end of the year. Have a wonderful, happy and safe New Year!

(12/30/07 08:52PM) — Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR

Julie, you do have great New Years suggestions.  I have always liked to stay home for New Years Eve although it is much quieter now that my birds have left the nest. 

(12/31/07 12:33AM) — Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate

Julie - This is such a great family post.  I love your ideas.  I also featured this one in Family Ties.  Have a very happy new year!  My 15th wedding anniversary is Wednesday, so this is a big week for me.

(12/31/07 12:34AM) — Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin

JUlie

I wish it was that easy. I have to watch reruns of the three stooges wioth my son, or the Simpsons.

It is enough to make you drink.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

(12/31/07 10:10AM) — Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York

Julie, Your traditions and ideas are wonderful!  I'm going to make my list of all I'd like in 2008--and it's lengthy!  I wish you and your family a terrific New Year with more blessings then you ever expected!

(12/31/07 10:35AM) — Jeff & Grace Safrin-SpousesSellingHouses REALTORS, F.C.Tucker Company, Indiana

Funny the common theme running through the Blogs and yours has wonderful suggestions as well thanks so much Julie (we were writing out our goals yesterday and action plans/steps for each and gratitude was the 1st)!

A Very Happy, Healthy New Year to you & Your Family filled with many blessings!

Sincerely,

Grace Safrin

(12/31/07 12:33PM) — Tom Plant - Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Julie - Happy New Year! What a wonderful list of ideas you have given us. Thanks!

(12/31/07 12:42PM) — Christine Bohn, ABR, e-Pro, GRI~Gainesville, FL Realtor®

Julie - It'll be a great 2008.  We are staying home also, and will make it a fun night too with great food and games.  Tomorrow is football heaven and we will have a blast!

(12/31/07 07:53PM) — Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

JULIE:  I LOVE ALL of your ideas. In fact, I'm going to bookmark this for future reference. We are also staying in...still a houseful. I have been pretty busy. Just want to send you a BIG HUG and tell you that you are one of the most precious gifts I received in 2007. I truly love you! God bless you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

(12/31/07 09:59PM) — Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker

Julie- I know darn well I came here earlier.....and even left a comment....hummm I wonder if I have any new gray hairs LOL  anyway, your list is a heck of a lot of work, so I will skip that, and just continue doing as I always do.....Happy New Year Julie....and may you have all that you wish for, all that you work for, and all that you dream for.......and if not.....just dream some more :)

(01/01/08 10:53AM) — Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR®

Jo: You are welcome to my house anytime.  Letters are such a wonderful way to express our feelings to our loved ones.  Prior to my Grandpa passing I was making a memory book for him and my Grandma.  I asked all the children and grandchildren to write a letter to my grandparents expressing their love and a very special memory.  Unfortunately my Grandpa passed right before Christmas day, which was when I had planned to give them the book.  Although my Grandma won't look at the book or read the letters I know my Grandpa has and I have felt his love around me often.  Happy New Year to you my dear friend. 

Gary: That is so lovely that you write your letters often.  She will never, ever have any doubt in her heart or soul the love you have for her. Jump in and have fun with the scrapbook. They bring back so many wonderful memories.  Happy New Year!

Linda: It is fun to find that treasure the next year.  We have done that at Christmastime in the past, however this year we are switching things up a bit. New year's brings many new feelings and the surprise of a letter past, will be a treasure.  I'm glad you enjoyed this post and Happy New Year!

Marchel: I'm with you my friend.  We prefer to be at home for New Year's Eve. What a great time to bring in the New Year.  Have a very Happy New Year!

Jason: Thank you for featuring this in Family Ties.  How refreshing to wake up to a new day today.  This new year is going to be absolutely wonderful.  Happy New Year!

 

(01/01/08 11:07AM) — Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR®

Tom B: The Three Stooges huh? It's sounds like your son is full of laughter. Happy New Year to you and I hope you enjoyed that treasured memory with your son.

Carole: Thank you so much my dear friend.  I appreciate your loving words.  Have a joyous time writing your letters.  Happy New Year!

Jeff: What a treasure to see you here.  Thank you for your kind comment and I'm so glad you like these ideas.  How good that feels to write down what you are grateful for.  Happy New Year!

Tom "Planting smiles, goodness, laughter, & knowledge wherever he goes": Wow your name has really become quite a lengthy one. LOL.  I'm glad you enjoyed this post.  Happy New Year!

Christine: I hope you had a wonderful night and have a wonderful day in football heaven.  Happy New Year!

Elizabeth: Ahhh...Now that was completely refreshing to wake up to on New Years Day.  Big Hugs back to you and I love you my friend.  Keep yourself well because there are so many in this world who are anxiously waiting to hear your words.  

Kathy: There you are again with your sense of humor.  I love it!  How is the departure from smoking going?  I pray for you to have comfort with that my friend and you will get through it.  Happy New Year to you too and remember, this only the beginning of many wonderful days ahead.  

(01/01/08 04:38PM) — Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist

Happy 2008 Julie!
I had a quiet evening and brought the new year in at home with a friend.  The gratitude journal is a marvelous idea and one that would keep things in prospective which we often need. 

(01/02/08 09:22AM) — Bradenton Florida Real Estate - Dan Forbes

Julie, I love your suggestions for the new year. Thanks.

(01/02/08 05:47PM) — Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor

Julie....I read this after New Years so will save it for next year. There are some fun ideas!

 

ALL THE BEST IN 2008

(01/02/08 08:40PM) — Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR®

Cynthia: It's sounds like you brought in the New Year with peace and quiet.  Thank you for your wonderful comment and Happy 2008 to you too. 

Dan: I appreciate your feedback.  Thank you for your kind comment. 

Joan: I wish for you all the best in 2008 too.  Thank you for stopping by.  

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