Ring in the New Year with Your Loved Ones from Anywhere! Here’s How to Make it Happen
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For many families, New Year’s Eve is a time of reunion and celebration. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the new year with renewed optimism. But for those whose relatives are spread out from coast to coast or even around the world, getting everyone together for New Year’s can be difficult.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though — far from it! This blog post will provide detailed advice on how to get your family together from abroad in preparation for ringing in the new year.
1. Start planning early
If possible, the best way to ensure a successful, stress-free New Year’s get-together is to start planning early. As soon as you know who will be attending and where everyone will be coming from, book flights and accommodation well in advance. This gives you time to find any deals or discounts that might be available and make sure all logistics are taken care of ahead of time.
Accommodation can either be arranged at your home or at a vacation rental property. If you live in a large enough home, it may be possible to accommodate everyone who will be attending — which can add to the fun and save money as well. Alternatively, if you plan to stay at a vacation property or hotel, book this right away, too – as packages often get snapped up quickly before New Year’s Eve.
Flights for international visitors should also be booked as soon as possible. Depending on their destination, they may need to secure visas and other documentation before they can enter the country. Be sure to check if any such requirements exist for your family members, so there are no delays or surprises down the line. If you have an elderly relative, book their flight through Jet Companion. This service provides a personal assistant to accompany your relative on their flight and provide assistance as needed. This will ensure your elderly loved one is cared for during the trip.
2. Make use of technology to communicate important details and information
Once all the basics are in place, it’s a good idea to use technology to keep everyone up-to-date and communicate essential details. Use an app like WhatsApp or WeChat to share plans, confirm decisions and ask questions. If you’re organizing activities for your family reunion, apps like Doodle can help you easily coordinate events and times that work for everyone.
You might also want to create an online blog or website filled with photos of past reunions, information about possible activities during the get-together, and more. This serves as a central hub where relatives can stay connected while they’re away from home — plus, it’s a great way to show off your family’s accomplishments over the years!
3. Plan a menu for all to enjoy
Planning a menu for your family’s New Year’s Eve party is an important part of the event. Since everyone will be coming in from different parts of the world and may have different diets and preferences, it’s best to prepare something that will suit everyone. Start by finding out if anyone has any dietary restrictions or food allergies — this way, you can plan accordingly.
From there, create a menu with a mix of traditional dishes that remind people of home as well as new recipes they haven’t tried before. If possible, try to get the whole family involved in creating the menu — this not only adds to the fun but also ensures everyone gets what they want!
4. Set up activities and games
What’s a New Year’s Eve without some good old-fashioned fun and games? If you’re planning to get the whole family together for New Year’s Eve, it’s essential to create an atmosphere that encourages everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves.
Brainstorm activities or games that all can enjoy — this could include card games, charades, karaoke, board/video games, or even just reminiscing about past memories.
Depending on your budget, you may also want to plan day trips or other outings like bowling alleys or mini golf courses. This is especially great if your reunion includes children who will need something extra to keep them entertained!
5. Set the mood with decorations
Decorations are an important part of any New Year’s Eve celebration — they help set the tone and create an atmosphere that all will remember. Try to pick out decorations that represent your family culture, heritage, or religion — this could include photos, paintings, flags, or other items. You can also add in a few sparkly elements like streamers and balloons for a festive feel.
Don’t forget about the music! Create a mix of old favorites and modern tunes that everyone can enjoy together.
Getting the whole family together for New Year is a wonderful experience that will be remembered fondly by all. With careful planning, you can ensure your gathering goes off without a hitch and everyone enjoys a beautiful New Year’s full of good food, fun activities, and lasting memories!
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.