Ringing In The New Year: Have Fun, Be Safe
Hello 2010 (almost)! New Years Eve is a night for celebration and ringing in the New Year, often with friends and family and a champagne toast. I have always enjoyed the holiday and the opportunities for new beginnings, but I am not one who likes driving out on the roads the eve of. There are many who, very stupidly, get behind the wheel to hop to the next bar or drive home from a friend’s party after drinking the night away. Please, do not be one of these people. The risks are too large and it is definitely not worth it. Here are some great (and common sense) alternatives to get around doing this.
- Arrange for a designated driver – Now this is just common sense. You generally know before you go out if you will be drinking that evening, so why not be smart and set up a ride beforehand? When you’re drinking, inhibitions go out the window and many feel they can handle more than they actually can. If you go out with friends, discuss with the group if anyone is willing to be the DD for the evening. Or, if you are super lucky like my boyfriend and I are, perhaps one of your parents is willing to come and get you from wherever you are so you don’t put yourselves and others in danger.
- Call a taxi – If you were a little less prepared and went out without arrangements for a sober driver, there are always handy-dandy public transportation systems to help you out! You can always call a taxi. Even if you live in an area where taxis aren’t a normal sight on the streets, I guarantee there are services in your area that will come to get you. What’s even cooler is that many cities now have FREE taxi services during certain hours of the night. One of these such services are SoberRide (found in the Washington regional area, Austin TX, Nashville TN and other places). Do some digging around on the internet for a free ride home December 31st, 2009.
- Stay home and party – Now this is a fun and smart alternative! Throw a party at your pad or just have a calm night with a few good friends or your significant other. This is always my favorite New Years Eve hang. Here are a few fun ideas to make your apartment New Years Eve night a hit!
- Decorate! Hang some streamers, get those annoying noise makers, get some plastic champagne glasses and look up a recipe for some fun and festive champagne drinks.
- Cook it up! You definitely do not need to spend hours or a fortune on food for the New Years. Parties usually begin later in the evening, when everyone has eaten and are ready for the after-dinner cocktail and a nibble here and there. Find some deliciously simple hors d’oeuvres recipes online and your guests will be delighted!
- Game time! I personally love the late-night card games at small get-togethers or the group videogames (DDR is a party favorite, as it is energetic and hilarious to watch). Have some fun on New Year’s Eve and play some games! What better way is there than to ring in the New Year with some laughter and fun?
- Socialize and Share! Of course there will be mingling going on at a party, but why not make a game out of sharing resolutions, hopes, memories, and goals for the past and new year? It’s a fun and great way to get to know your guests even better!
- Toast it up! The final 10 seconds of 2009 have come and you’ve got drink in hand. 3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR! Raise your glasses, kiss your loved one, and party like it’s 199….er…you get the picture. Have fun, share and laugh, and don’t forget to be safe!
Related posts: