7 Fun and Safe Ways to Ring in the New Year from Home

If there was ever a year to stay home on New Year’s Eve, 2020 is it. Many of us entered into the new “roaring 2020s” with high hopes. Instead, this year has been an indescribable bummer as most of us were either required to stay home or chose to do it out of hopes of helping to end the coronavirus pandemic. Just because you’re spending the night at home doesn’t mean you can’t ring in the New Year in a fun and safe way. 

While many people are on the cusp of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, we are still in the early stages of the vaccine being distributed. In other words, no matter what you choose to do to ring in the New Year, it’s likely that your plans are going to look a little different this year. Experts are continuing to warn of the importance of continuing to follow social distancing measures. 

Ringing in 2021: Fun and Safe New Year Celebration Ideas

As we’ve had to do with nearly every holiday we’ve celebrated this year, ringing in the New Year just requires a little creativity. Staying home with your immediate family and getting creative can create lasting memories with your family or the virtual participants you bring in.

1. Karaoke Night

A timeless and tone-deaf classic, you don’t need a fancy machine to do karaoke at home. All you need is YouTube and the courage to stand up and belt your favorite Whitney Houston song. 

2. Virtual get-together

If you’re sick of trying to come up with interesting conversations on Zoom, consider downloading the app meant for a good virtual time: Houseparty. Houseparty is a fun face to face social network that allows you to play face-to-face virtual games and other activities with friends and family. You can get your friends together for a fun and safe New Year.

3. Play Dress Up

We all loved to dress up as kids, but while the roaring 2020s have been off to a slow start, it’s not too late to plan for a fancy party with your immediate family or housemates. Dress up with feather boas, funny hats and hilarious mustaches and snap pictures to share with your social media audience.

4. Watch the Ball Drop from home

While we won’t see our most non-offensive celebrities in big coats and expensive scarves standing on rooftops this year, all of our favorite New Year’s Eve specials will still be airing. Depending on which network or platform you go with this year you can see anyone from Dua Lipa to the Goo Goo Dolls perform. You don’t need to leave the house for a countdown or a cocktail (or mocktail). 

5. Have a movie marathon

There are so many great movies that have several parts. Harry Potter, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Lord of the Rings, Shrek, Die Hard and so many other great films for you to revisit or watch for the first time. 

6. Watch a buzzworthy show

Entertainment has been slow this year, but streaming platforms are putting out some of the most quality content we’ve seen in years. All of the best platforms have created some sort of buzz over their content in the month of December alone. Or maybe you’ll want to see why everyone hated the Game of Thrones ending. Either way, marathon watching a show is a great way to spend your New Year’s Eve night. 

7. Just go to bed

Many of us have suffered losses this year—jobs, loved ones, savings, relationships and more. 2020 has been a tough year for many of us and while we won’t wake up to a problem-free or pandemic-free world, it will be a New Year. And nothing screams “fresh start” like day one of a new calendar. 

Following CDC Recommendations

If you plan to host a celebration with members outside of your household, you should always follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to help curb the spread of COVID and to be safe. The CDS recommends the following if you decide to host an NYE celebration.

• Plan ahead to set expectations of celebrating together.
• Keep the guest list small
• Celebrate outdoors whenever possible
• Open windows, doors and use fans to blow out air and circulate fresh air
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items
• Have guests bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
• Wear a mask and have extra unused masks available for guests to wear both inside and outside.
• Keep music low so guests don’t need to shout (shouting increases the numbers of germs released into the air.

If the day arrives and you feel the need to cancel or postpone the party, it’s OK to do what is best for you and the safety of your family.

If you attend a celebration:

• It’s OK to stay home
• Avoid alcohol and drugs that can cause you to let your COVID-19 precautions down.
• Wear a mask. (They work.)
• Bring your own food, drinks, and disposable plates, cups and utensils.
• Avoid shouting and singing.
• Avoid areas where food is prepared.

With Carlson, you’re never alone.

The Carlson Law Firm has continued to operate amidst the novel coronavirus and we are still accepting new clients. For your safety and the safety of our staff, we are meeting clients in person on a very limited basis. However, we have the full technological capabilities to meet with you virtually or over the phone. 

If you’ve experienced a personal injury in an auto crash, slip and fall, dog bite, workplace injury or any other injury, give us a call today. Our entire legal team is ready to assist you through these unprecedented times. We urge you to take full advantage of our virtual meeting options and take a step toward getting the justice you deserve. Call us today at 800-359-5690 to schedule a free, virtual consultation with a member of our legal staff. 

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