Celebrating New Year’s Eve with Your Mate

Celebrating New Year’s Eve sets the tone for the rest of your year. Plan to spend the night with your spouse, enjoying each other’s company and ringing in the New Year together.
If you need child care, line it up as quickly as possible. One way to make this work is to offer an exchange with friends or family. If they will babysit your children on New Year’s Eve, you should be willing to watch their children on another special holiday, like Valentine’s Day.
Spend some time together right after Christmas planning out your evening together. Decide on your menu. Pick foods that you can prepare together. Choose foods that may take a little longer to prepare so that you can enjoy spending time together in the kitchen, preparing the meal and talking.

Choose a drink menu that will go well with your food. There are numerous options for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that will fit your budget needs.
Purchase the food and drinks by Dec. 29 so you have time to but whatever last minute items you will need.

Decide on some movies to watch together. Pick a genre that you both will enjoy. Choose several so you have an evening of watching movies to look forward to. If you both have some favorite movies, include those in the mix.

Make a c.d. of your favorite songs as a couple or make a playlist for your iPod. Choose songs that are special to you or that both of you just like.

Include some special touches. If your spouse likes a certain wine, serve that with dinner. If your mate loves flowers, pick some up as a special treat. Light some candles. Focus on making each other feel special and loved.

Enjoy each other’s company and spend the evening looking forward to a great year together in 2009!