Celebrate New Years

Christmas is over. The children are enjoying their new toys. Is it time to celebrate the New Year already? It just goes so fast, doesn't it?

Celebrating the new year can often be an afterthought with me. 

I am so focused on Christmas that when New Years comes along, I'm super-tired!

However, we have picked up some traditions along the way that I can share with you.  (Please add your own Christmas traditions in a comment below).

We like to have friends over to celebrate New Years. We play games, sing karaoke, or just chat. Around 11:30, we start worship. Usually Rose leads worship with her guitar. Afterward, we have communion, using sparkling cider or sparkling grape juice.

When it's exactly midnight, we ring in the New Year with shouts, hugs, and kisses. Afterward, we usually pray for the new year ahead.

Here are some foods I serve to guests and family on New Years Eve:
Haystacks ( sometimes I use White Chocolate Chips)
Our Famous Curtis Cheese Ball we serve with Triscuits
Tortilla Chips with Bean Dip

Sometimes we light firecrackers or sparklers to bring in the new year after worship. 

On New Years Day, we sleep in, really late for us! For my husband Mike and I, sleeping in means 7 a.m. instead of 6 a.m., but on New Years Day, we might sleep 'til 9 or 10 o'clock. ​

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New Years Day

On our own, we all spend time with the Lord reviewing the old year and asking Him for direction and blessing for the new one. 

This is the place where I often make goals according to the different priorities in my life: 
1. God, relationship with Jesus
2. Family: Husband & Children
3. Church Family & MInistry
4. Writing & Business
5. Health
6. Dreams

We usually make a nice brunch that we all sit down and eat together. The menu is often grits, eggs, bacon, and homemade cinnamon rolls. 

Growing up, we always ate Hoppin' John, or blacked-eyed peas and rice; but we don't have a traditional menu yet for New Years Day. My kids are not crazy about black-eyed peas. 

We play games or watch a movie. The day is totally set aside for relaxing and just being together. 

I hope this gives you some creative ideas on how to celebrate New Years. Please don't forget to share your traditions. 

From our house to yours, please be blessed with an amazing 2019! 

Warmly, 
Meredith Curtis

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