I just read a great article on the Family Fun site, titled 11 Great Ways to Start the Year. There were some really sweet ideas for how to celebrate the New Year with your family. Here were my favorites:

Journal the most memorable moments of the year. You can have each child take a turn writing their page in a journal, or hand out paper to be placed in a 3 ring binder or scrapbook. Kate’s Paperie has really gorgeous paper goods. These Japanese Handmade notebooks would make a lovely keepsake.

Another idea is to interview your children each year by asking them the same questions. Ideas include: I am lucky because, If I had three wishes, and I am a little afraid of… It will be interesting to watch how your children’s responses change over the years. The questions and answers could be written in a nice notebook like the one above, as well.

You could spend the day trying “new” things to help celebrate the New Year. Try new foods, go to a new store, read a new book, or try a new hairstyle.

For families with older children, try a game of charades. Generate a list of memorable moments from the past year and then take turns acting them out. This is sure to bring back some fond memories and generate a few laughs.

Here are some fun and festive ideas you can use to help ring in the new year with style. Plum Party has lots of great party goods for many events. Their New Year’s items don’t disappoint. This Happy New Year’s Kit is called tooters and tiaras and comes with 4 of each.

They also have a more complete set for 6. It’s $24.00 and comes with 3 cone hats, 3 tiaras, 6 noise makers, 6 tooters, 2 serpentines, and 2 carnival balls. Everything is done in classy silver and black and it all comes in a handy bag. If you’re looking for a more colorful set, they also have the same thing in brighter colors.

Obviously, the kids can’t stay up ’til midnight, so many families make their own countdown at 7:00 or 8:00. Here are a few more festive ways to allow your kids to celebrate the new year before heading off to bed. Plum party has these great crackers. The kids can pop them open as they clock strikes 7. Each one contains some type of small toy for kids ages 6 and up.

Finally, I found a couple of items on my old standby, Oriental Trading. How about these champagne bubbles or these kooky 2007 glasses? Each is less than $6 per dozen.

So, that’s it for now. I know we have readers from all over the country and a few of you from around the world. I’d love to hear about any special New Year’s plans you have for your family.