Happy 2026! I’m so grateful to say that! Like, really, really grateful. How blessed are we to be able to walk into another year whole and healthy? Even if just for today, that alone is something to be thankful for.
I got up on NYE and decided we needed a yummy breakfast. So we started the day with pancakes topped with melted butter, maple syrup, and blueberries, plus eggs and chicken sausage on the side. Iced coffee in hand, of course, while I danced around the littles trying to get it all done. Then it was time for a good clean because we cannot start the year with a mess, duh 🤪😂
Since our night starts at 7 and is pretty low key, I even had time to take a bath. I got a little head start on my first book of the year too 😊
Now for the good stuff, our annual NYE cozy night in! I love finding a reason to celebrate at home with my family, and New Year’s Eve is always a guaranteed favorite. I love the simplicity of it. No over the top decor or elaborate food spreads… just feel good family time with games, movies, food, and tradition.
We went with a classic 90s style pizza party vibe for the night: pizzas, chips, ice cream sundaes, and sodas (for the older kids). But Ryann and Greg also made us some starters that were sooo good, spicy lemon pepper chicken sliders.
Our night kicked off at 7 with our hourly countdown to the new year. The first hour was food, then we moved on to games. Gaming hour is always a favorite because we switch it up every year. We usually get creative and find or make unique games to play. This year, we played games on Netflix. If you haven’t checked that out, do yourself a favor! Our favorites are Fibbage and Boggle.
The 9 o’clock hour was probably the kids’ favorite part: make your own ice cream sundaes. 😂 This is our “make it” hour. It’s usually food related, but sometimes it’s a craft. Last year it was personal pan pizzas. It’s always a fun, hands on moment everyone looks forward to. We usually start winding down into our movie of the night about 10 pm. Then it’s time to put on the strobe lights, dance and watch the last 20 minutes of the countdown in NYC. The littles are beyond sleepy at this point and my poor nori ended up falling asleep 15 minutes before our midnight toast!
At the end of the night, I’m always reminded why this tradition means so much to us. These simple nights at home means more than any fancy party or event. Here’s to another year of connection, slowing down, and celebrating everyday moments with intention.
If you’re looking for a low-pressure, meaningful way to ring in the new year, I can’t recommend a cozy night in enough.
If you loved this idea, save it for next year or share it with someone who loves simple family traditions. And if you have a New Year’s Eve tradition you swear by, I’d love to hear it in the comments!
Xo,
Chelle B
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