This week I have two plans, both low effort and easy because that’s what we all need right now. 

Plan 1: Family NYE Talent Show Extravaganza!

New Year's Eve (NYE)  is, by far, my least favorite holiday. I fall DEEP into hibernation mode on Christmas day as soon as the dishwasher gets loaded and the trash is taken out, and my house would probably have to be on fire to get me to walk out the door until school starts back. If you’re like me, a complete fuddy-duddy who prefers to be in bed before 10 p.m., this is the family dinner plan for you. 

As I’ve mentioned before, I have four daughters. This means my husband and I have sat through approximately one million “shows” put on by our kids at home. Seriously, at least once a week for the past 20-ish years, SOMEONE has demanded that we sit and watch them dance (or sing). Needless to say, especially since I’m a former little girl myself, I know a thing or two about pulling off a killer living room show, and there’s no better time than NYE for such quality entertainment!

Here’s how to set it up…

‍Step #1: Establish a menu for craft services.

(Craft services is just a fancy name for “snacks for the performers.”)

Sandwiches – You can keep it really simple with just peanut butter and jelly or go all out with a build-your-own sandwich spread complete with everything your family likes to add. This year I’ll probably give just two options: 

French Dip Sandwiches and Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders

Chips and Dips – Whatever y’all like! My kids love this Warm Bacon Cheese Dip with crackers or plain ruffles. 

Fruits and Veggie Tray -- Again, whatever your family likes but make it fun with a cute presentation. This decor kit includes 2026 fillable charcuterie trays that’ll make you a craft services star.

Cookies –  Hear me when I say this ,.. these are The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER! I’ve probably made 100 different batches of these since I found the recipe. Also, do future you a favor: double up the recipe and freeze the dough in balls for later (we’ll use them in the plan below). 

‍Step #2: Invite the Talent and Audience

Wake the kids up that morning with invitations to start the day off with some excitement!

‍Step #3: Set the stage and prepare the awards 

In years past, I’ve taken the ornaments off my Christmas tree and let the kids decorate it with NYE tinsel and balloons. Make one family member the “stage manager.” They will be in charge of all music, props and whatever else needs to happen to the stage area. Give them a flashlight for a spotlight, too! These trophies are super cheap and would really add to the fun of the night. 

‍Step #4 – Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

And that’s a wrap! The rest of y’all cool people can stay up and watch the ball drop, but I will be in my second REM cycle by then.  Happy New Year, everybody!

Plan 2: Snow-What-Fun-Day!

Okay, fine, the name might be lame, but trust me – this has made my life so much easier. 

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the PERFECT time to put together an (almost) complete Snow Day Kit (I say almost because there will be a few perishable items to pick up once we get that panic-inducing Winter Weather Advisory alert).

I recommend grabbing a tote or box and keeping all the items together so this day will be a breeze while you’re busy running back and forth to the dryer and mopping up wet footprints by the door. 

‍Food 

Soup -- I mean, what else are you going to eat after playing in the snow? My kids love this Chicken Noodle Soup. To prep for the snow day, chop and freeze the veggies and chicken so they’re ready to go. I use granulated bouillon instead of stock, so I always have it on hand. Store the noodles in your kit and add some crackers or make grilled cheese on your snow day. 

‍Hot Chocolate — Yes, this is the second time I’ve included this recipe, but it’s so worth it. Store the non-perishables in your kit and go fight the doomsday crowd for milk and whipping cream. Godspeed, friends. 

Sweets -- This is a great time to pull out the frozen cookie dough from New Year’s Eve! Snow Cream is also a perfect snow day treat. 

‍Fun 

I always like to have a few new (or forgotten) activities and games ready to go for when my kids aren’t playing in the snow. I feel like new coloring books, jigsaw puzzles, and card games are a snow day must, for sure. Also, these hand puppet kits are adorable for younger kids, and a 3D Coloring Puzzle could keep older kids busy for hours.

‍Extras 

Hand warmers and extra pairs of fuzzy socks are always nice to have on hand. You can include books about snow, like “How to Catch a Snowman,” and “The Snowy Day” and add extras of their favorite non-perishable snacks because you already know they’re going to be eating non-stop. If you have other fun ideas to add, I’d love to hear them! 

‍Bonus 

I don’t ever buy my kids traditional snow gear because they usually only get one or two wears in a year. I get them rain suit overalls a few sizes too big and just layer their warm clothes underneath. It took me YEARS to figure out this trick! It's a huge money saver, and each overall set has lasted 3-4 years. 

And that’s it, folks. Making this kit is a total game-changer for last-minute snow day fun. I recommend printing the kit shopping list and recipes, then storing them in your kit so you don’t have to search for them! Enjoy!