Kids don’t have years of history behind them like adults do, so the nostalgia of years passed is hard for them to connect with. Here’s a family project that will give your family an opportunity to celebrate memories and ring in the new year together.
What you’ll need:
White Poster Board
Black Poster Board
Drawing Paper Glue
Markers
(1) Brass Brad
Have each member of your family write or dictate some of the most memorable events of the past year. This may include events like baby’s first steps, learning to read, winning a sports event, starting high school, going on vacation or purchasing a new car. From your combined list, choose the top 11 events and draw small illustrations or symbols for them. Be sure that each child has at least one event that focuses on them. Try to keep the distribution even.
From the white poster board, cut out a clock face. Make it fun! Have the whole family decorate it with glitter and markers. Remember to incorporate the current year in your artwork. Then cut out the drawings or symbols for your most memorable events. Glue these events on the poster board where the hour marks would be for 1 to 11 o’clock. At the midnight hour mark, write the words “Happy New Year!”. Cut an hour and minute hand, and a 3” circle, from the black poster board. Place the ends of the hands, with the circle on top, in the center of the clock, and insert a brad to hold the clock together. You may need to use a pencil or scissors to punch a guide hole for the brad. Make sure the brad is tight enough to hold the hands in place when they are set on a specific time.
On New Year’s Eve, from 12 noon to 11p.m., gather the family and have a member tell the story of the event of the hour. Discuss funny or sentimental memories about the event and make the person on which the event focuses feel special. At midnight, celebrate New Year’s with the entire family, and know that even young family members can understand how to celebrate their past.