New Year's cake

When you have kids, your options for ringing in the New Year shift somewhat.

While a visit to your local pub, nightclub or even to watch the fireworks might’ve been on the cards previously, when kids are involved (especially little ones), their schedules typically demand a night in.

But that doesn’t have to mean the evening isn’t meaningful – far from it.

We spoke to five parents about the New Year’s traditions they’ve developed with their children over the years – from making special canapés to celebrating with a different timezone (so they’re not having to stay up ’til midnight), here’s what they shared...

1. An early countdown with balloons

“With small children, New Year’s Eve isn’t really about midnight – children have what we call ‘time blindness’, so the magic is in the experience rather than the clock,” said Dr Sasha Hall, a child psychologist and parent of two young children.

“In our family, we move ‘midnight’ earlier to around 8pm, or slightly later than their usual bedtime. That way, they still get the special feeling of staying up late, but without the overwhelm or next-day meltdowns. Developmentally, that one extra hour feels exciting and novel, but remains within their capacity for regulation.

“We do a big countdown together – 10 to one – holding a bedsheet filled with balloons. Each parent stands at one end, and at ‘one’ we throw the balloons into the air, pull the sheet away, set off party poppers, and let them rain down. That countdown is really powerful psychologically: it builds anticipation, shared focus, and emotional synchrony. Children learn to wait, predict, and then experience a joyful release.

“We then dance together for a few minutes. These moments create what we call ‘core memories’ – emotionally charged, relational experiences that children carry forward. It’s not about the time; it’s about connection, ritual, and feeling safe, seen, and celebrated together as a family.”

2. Crafting a small ‘Año Viejo’ and talking about what we’re thankful for

Milena Jurasz-Cruz, who has three children, said: “As I am Colombian, one of our most meaningful New Year’s Eve traditions is El Año........

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