The countdown to 2026 is already in motion, and parents worldwide are looking for ways to make the last night of the year special for their children. TODAY.com interviewed Laura Linn Knight, author of Break Free from Reactive Parenting, who shared how a family New Year’s Eve can strengthen bonds.
Why a Family New Year’s Eve Matters
Knight told TODAY.com that “Going into the new year as a family starts families on the path of making family connection a priority.” She added that New Year’s Eve is a good time to set family goals and that children benefit “every time we make space for them to be involved in traditions and celebrations.” Even if parents plan to go out later, Knight encourages families to spend some time together on the evening.
The Gratitude Flower Activity
One of Knight’s favorite traditions is the gratitude flower. Each family member writes their name in the center of a paper flower. Then, in turn, they add a note to a petal describing something they appreciated about another person over the past year. After the activity, every child has a flower that shows the family’s love for them. Knight says, “If you like this activity, make it a family tradition and save your flowers from each year moving forward.”
30 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Kids
- Create a gratitude flower.
- Participate in a Rose, Bud and Thorn activity.
- Try a new recipe for dinner.
- Watch the last sunset of the year.
- Plan a family hike.
- Bake countdown cookies shaped like numbers.
- Make homemade holiday play dough.
- Share favorite memories of the year.
- Create a time capsule.
- Hold a joke-writing competition.
- Make a list of goals for the new year.
- DIY ice-cream sundae bar with unlimited toppings.
- Pop a balloon every hour until midnight.
- Bake a clock cake.
- Deliver treat bags to neighbors.
- Set personal and family resolutions.
- Plan a trip for the new year.
- DIY pizzas for dinner, shaped like a clock.
- Create a playlist and host a dance-off.
- Toast to the new year with sparkling cider.
- Build a blanket fort.
- Go for a family walk with an ‘I Spy’ game.
- Prepare good-luck food for New Year’s Day.
- Host a game night with friends and neighbors.
- Create a scavenger hunt around the house.
- Write new-year wishes in a jar to open next year.
- Read a book together.
- Write a 2026 family bucket list.
- Spend the day watching favorite movies.
- Quiz each other with trivia for kids.
Knight reminds readers that “Children who have special time with their family, create meaningful traditions and feel valued within the home are more likely to thrive emotionally and socially.”
Key Takeaways
- A family New Year’s Eve can set the tone for a connected year ahead.
- The gratitude flower is a simple, repeatable activity that builds appreciation.
- There are 30 diverse activities to keep kids engaged and celebrate the new year together.
The countdown to 2026 is a perfect opportunity for families to gather, reflect, and set goals together. Whether it’s a quiet gratitude flower or a full-blown party, the key is to make the evening count for everyone.
