Ah, New Year's Eve [1]. An occasion to get dressed up, go out to a glittering party with great food and even better company, and get really, really drunk. Until you become a parent that is. Once kids are in the mix, the last night of the year is usually spent on the sofa, in sweats, watching Ryan Seacrest [2], and hoping you can even make it to midnight.
Ten years ago, when our first daughter was born, I felt disappointed that my New Year's plans had become so lame. But now, I can't wait to cosy up with my four kids and my husband. Going out is the furthest thing on my mind, especially because we've found ways to make a family New Year's Eve superfun. And yes, that still includes drinking alcohol [3].
To be clear, my husband and I will sip Champagne or wine responsibly. Gone are the days when we did shots as the ball fell in Times Square. I'll likely enjoy a few glasses of wine or bubbly after the kids are tucked in around 9 p.m., then fall asleep at 10:30. I know all four are ready and raring to go by 7 a.m. whether it's a random Monday or New Year's Day, and mommying on no sleep [5] and/or with a hangover [6] is not happening. I never want to drink so much that I can't hear one of the kids calling for me in the night. Still, we don't totally refrain from alcohol, especially on a holiday, because why would we?
You might ask why my husband and I don't just go out [7] and get a babysitter [8] so we can let loose a bit more. The answer is because I still have to be mom the second I step in the front door of my house, so it's not like I can go crazy at a bar or at a friend's home either, unless the sitter is staying all night. And honestly, I trust myself to drink responsibly more than any babysitter. I can't know everything that person is doing while I'm not there. We do not live close to any family [9], so getting grandma to help out isn't an option.
In the end, I like being with my family on New Year's Eve, and I also like having a drink or two to celebrate. The kids get all excited, we decorate the house, make yummy treats, and cuddle. Mommy and daddy have a few adult drinks [10] throughout the night, and that's about it. No, it isn't the most exciting night of our lives, but at this stage, I'll take our little party with just a glass or two of Champagne over the fanciest, open bar soirée out there.