New Year’s Eve used to be my favorite celebration of the year. But now, as a parent of two, I often find myself dreading the night rather than looking forward to it. Here’s a candid look at why New Year’s Eve with kids can be a bit of a drag:
- Sitter Search Struggles: Unless you planned ahead and booked a babysitter months ago, finding someone to watch your kids on this night can feel like a wild goose chase. Even if you do miraculously find one, expect to pay a premium for their services, especially when they sense your desperation.
- Wardrobe Dilemmas: As you sift through your closet, the thought crosses your mind: can I really pull off that sequined top with yoga pants? Spoiler alert: no one is fooled by the yoga pants.
- Early Exhaustion: By 9 PM, you’re already feeling the fatigue, but you know you have to muster up the energy to last a few more hours. Trying to appear lively and engaged is more tiring than childbirth itself!
- Overly Personal Questions: You’ll inevitably face the barrage of inquiries about your New Year’s resolutions, while secretly wishing your only goal is to survive. You might have some resolutions you’d rather keep to yourself, like shedding that baby weight or finding more patience with your partner.
- The Cost of Celebration: You quickly learn the “Rule of 120”: $120 for a sitter, $120 for a dinner for two, and add in the drinks. Then, when you find yourself ordering pizza at 2 AM, it hits you how much you could have spent on more sensible things instead.
- Out with the Childless: If you venture out with friends who don’t have kids, their energy can be infuriating. They can easily sleep in until noon, while you’re up at the crack of dawn.
- Out with Fellow Parents: When you hang out with parents, it either turns into a night of endless kid talk, making you long for home, or it’s a wild night out that leaves your spouse wishing he hadn’t tagged along.
- Midnight Fireworks: As the clock strikes midnight, you might find yourself cursing the fireworks, praying they don’t wake your sleeping children. You know a mom can only take so much before going a little “crazy.”
- Regrettable Social Media Posts: Those 12:03 AM selfies? Definitely not your best decision.
- The Early Wake-Up Call: Regardless of how late you stayed up or how much champagne you consumed, expect your kids to rise with the sun. It’s as if they have a sixth sense for early mornings on New Year’s Day.
- Desperate for Coffee: The next morning, you’ll desperately crave coffee and aspirin, only to discover you’re out of both. You might even contemplate trading your firstborn for a large coffee—extra cream and sugar, please.
- Mom Guilt: After splurging on the night out and feeling terrible the next day, you’ll wish you had just snuggled on the couch with your kids, sipping sparkling cider and calling it a night by 9 PM.
- Noisemakers Galore: Your children will inevitably play with those noisy New Year’s toys for months, driving you to the brink of madness until you finally dispose of them in a fit of rage.
- Planning Next Year’s Excuse: By noon on January 1st, you’ll already be crafting your excuse for next New Year’s Eve, likely along the lines of, “Sorry, we’re staying in. Couldn’t find a sitter. Enjoy yourselves!”
But amidst the chaos and challenges, the truth is, the best place to be on New Year’s Eve is wherever you feel most at ease. Often, that’s home, snuggled on the couch with your family in your comfiest yoga pants.
So here’s to a fulfilling year ahead—embracing the ups and downs of parenthood, cherishing our bodies that brought our kids into the world, and maybe even getting it all together (whatever that may mean). And if not, there’s always next year!
For more insights on parenting, feel free to check out our article on surviving parenthood. If you’re considering family planning, this at-home insemination kit is a great starting point. And for those diving into fertility treatments, this resource on IVF and more can be invaluable.
Summary
Celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids can be a challenge, from finding a sitter to the early wake-up calls. Balancing the excitement of the night with the realities of parenthood often leads to a mix of exhaustion and mom guilt. Ultimately, the best place to ring in the new year may just be at home with your family.
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