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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
In less than a week, we will be saying goodbye to 2014 and welcoming yet another new year. To some, the slogan remains the same: “Let the celebrations begin!” A brand New Year symbolises two things, completion or a fresh start.

The fresh start marks the setting of new targets and setting aside memories of the failures or losses from the previous year. There is new hope that the new period presents; opening doors of success.

Ringing church bells, tooting horns and fireworks throughout the cities on the eve will usher many in style.

It is back to the old story of resolutions!

But the million dollar question is that how do we usher in 2015 in style?

Gone are the days when people celebrate the New Year alone far-away from home as the new trend is about family.

Spending New Year’s Eve with the family can be a fantastic opportunity to bond, have fun together and to see in the New Year with your loved ones.

“New Year’s Eve celebrations are often adult-only events, but children get excited about the big night as well. Because babysitters are scarce and restaurant prices are high especially at this particular time, it makes more sense to celebrate with the children,” said Pauline Margolis, a lifestyle coach and guru.

It is true that New Year’s Eve is the biggest party night of the year and most people are already busy planning their grand entrance into 2015.

However, many communities now host family-friendly ‘first night’ celebrations with fireworks, music and games, but some can also have lots of fun staying home.

Outdoor activities are also common on New Year’s day as family and friends get together and reflect on the year gone by and reassure each other that they would still be together the following year, God permitting. Depending on the weather some will take drives to nearby resorts where braais are commonplace and beverages flow. In Harare Lake Chivero is a favourite for many and provides the ideal environment to rewind.

Fireworks displays are also popular as the New Year is ushered in and people begin to celebrate the new beginning and what a spectacle they can be.

Here are some guidelines on how to spend quality time with your family on New Year’s Eve.

Church

For churches that celebrate the seasons of the Christian year, they use the opportunity to gather, sometimes fasting and praying. In some Pentecostal churches, this is where we hear of Crossover Night ceremonies. Heartfelt Ministries International will be hosting such an event in the capital.

Many churches usher in the New Year with what is called a Watch-Night service. These services typically include fellowship activities, food, singing, prayer, and a message or devotional thought by the pastor or another church leader. Usually, this New Year’s Eve service climaxes at midnight with a time of prayer. The idea is to “pray in” the New Year. Make sure you make your way there.

Thanks for the Memories

Some spend the evening creating a family time container with souvenirs of special events. Pack a shoebox or empty tennis ball container with keepsakes like photographs, blue ribbons, drawings and written memories of the top 10 moments of the year. You can also capture the memories in a family scrapbook.

Slumber Party!

Because many youngsters resist the urge to get to bed before midnight but still need to doze, set up a family camp-out in the living room. Pillows, sleeping bags, stuffed animals, a few good DVDs and each other’s company will make the night a winner.

Home made Party Supplies

Bring on the Noise

Preparing for the party is half the fun, so get kids involved in making festive decorations. They can create their own noise-makers by filling plastic water bottles with rice or lentils and covering the bottles with coloured paper, glitter and other decorations. Don’t have any empty water bottles? Make a joyful noise by banging pots and pans together when the clock strikes 12. Remember, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without silly hats, so gather supplies for making them. Raid the recycling bin for newspaper, leftover wrapping paper, ribbons, cardboard, paper plates and other materials.

Have a prosperous new year!!!

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