New Year’s Indecisiveness

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Took DadHTP to the airport.  Wahhh! That means Christmas is really and truly over.  He lives in California for half the year, so we don’t get to get to see each other as often as we’d like.

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Before dropping him off at the airport, we stopped by Moe’s for a quick lunch.

 

I got the tofu bowl – honestly, it wasn’t very good.  Just a mess of burrito bits and salsa.

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Chips and salsa ALWAYS make up for it, though. 

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New Year’s Indecisiveness

 

You should’ve seen the epic text message exchange between Nicole and I earlier – I think we sent back and forth 30 messages trying to decide what to do with our husbands for New Year’s.  And the issue still isn’t resolved.  Usually, the Husband and I hit the bars or a club and dance the night away, but considering that I’m four months pregnant, that’s kind of out.  I mean, I guess we could go clubbin’… but we both aren’t really feeling it.

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Some of the suggestions that Nicole and I shot back and forth for New Year’s 2012:

 

  • Comedy club
  • Fancy dinner out
  • House party at a friend’s
  • Dinner party at our house
  • Movie marathon
  • Going to bed a 10:00 PM and watching the ball drop on DVR in the morning…

 

We’re still at a complete loss, though.  No one can agree on anything! 

 

What are you doing to ring in the New Year?

{ 87 comments }

 

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb December 27, 2011, 3:43 pm

    i think a dinner party at home sounds PERFECT.

    we are going to a wedding! i’m super excited for it… basically it’s going to be a really fun (and free!) party that i did not have to take any part in planning!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen December 27, 2011, 3:49 pm

    I go back and forth between the fancy dinner out and the low key thing at home every year. We usually end up doing the low key thing at home but I think I’m ready for a change this year! Since I started working from home in the summer, I’m constantly coming up with excuses to get out of the house!

  • Dori December 27, 2011, 3:51 pm

    My boyfriend and I are staying in and watching the live stream of the Phish show. They always do something really cool for their NYE shows and since we couldn’t get tickets for that night (going the night before though!)… this is the next best thing. Even better, since I can wear pajamas and fall asleep if I want. And eat pizza.

  • Rachel December 27, 2011, 3:55 pm

    In the exact same boat. We have two other sets of couples we are trying to plan with, and we all live 45 minutes away from each other in a gigantic triangle.

    None of us want to be on the roads with the drunk drivers, none of us want to attend or host a house party, and no one wants to spend a ton of money.

    So…we still have no plans.

  • Hillary December 27, 2011, 3:56 pm

    I honestly hate going out on NYE. At 26 years old, I feel so lame admitting that, but it’s true! I prefer to just go out for a nice dinner or have a dinner party at home with friends. This year I have to pick my boyfriend up at the airport around 7:30, so we’ll probably grab a quick bite to eat and then go home and just relax. Sounds good to me!

    • Sunny December 27, 2011, 4:21 pm

      Agreed. I’m 25 and just over the bar scene. Our friends are all going to dinner and then the bar and I’m just.over.it. and have no desire to go, luckily my husband doesn’t really care to go either, so I thinking our couch is calling our names. 😉

      • CaitlinHTP December 27, 2011, 7:08 pm

        We should all sit on the couch together!!!

  • Tracy December 27, 2011, 4:01 pm

    Last New Year’s Eve, my best friend had just found out she was pregnant (unplanned and not very excited at that point) and her husband was half-way across the country starting a new job. My boyfriend and I went to her place, ordered pizza, and watched the Jersey Shore marathon (among other fascinating reality shows). Sometimes just being with the people you love the most is all you need!

  • Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real December 27, 2011, 4:02 pm

    I vote for a late night fancy dinner out. Make reservations and ring in the New Year with friends… because next year you may not be ready to leave the little one with a babysitter so you will probably celebrate at home.

  • Laura December 27, 2011, 4:04 pm

    Go to a semi-fancy dinner that won’t break the bank so you can afford to go to a comedy show afterwards!

    • CaitlinHTP December 27, 2011, 7:08 pm

      Oooo. All the restaurants here do fixed price menus though and are so $$$$$$$$$$!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife December 27, 2011, 4:05 pm

    Semi-fancy dinner!! That sounds great 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats December 27, 2011, 4:07 pm

    I’m visiting my best friend and sorority sister from college in NC! I can’t wait to see her!

  • erica December 27, 2011, 4:08 pm

    we are having dinner in, with the inlaws. NYE is our dog’s most hated day (terrified of fireworks)
    i feel bad leaving him alone to party it up while he’s hiding behind the toilet!

  • shelly December 27, 2011, 4:15 pm

    I’m throwing a party for NYE this year! The Hubby and I usually have a big Christmas party but the timing didn’t work out this year so we’re having one this weekend instead. I love hosting a party b/c I love to cook and I love not having to go anywhere. That being said, the cleaning beforehand and afterward sucks. 🙂

  • Brita December 27, 2011, 4:17 pm

    We’re going bowling! I hate traditional New Year’s Eve things (am I the only person that thinks NYE is the most hyped, least deserving holiday?) and this fit the bill as something more fun and unusual than a normal night out, but NOT something that reeked of 2012 plastic glasses.

    • CaitlinHTP December 27, 2011, 7:12 pm

      OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bowling sounds like a fun alternative. Maybe we will do that! I love to bowl.

    • Claire December 27, 2011, 7:18 pm

      I am 22 and I hate NYE…I’m trying to convince myself to go out this year because maybe the reason I don’t like it is I haven’t had a decent over-21 NYE experience yet. BUT I do think it is so over-hyped. It’s like Valentine’s Day. The pressure makes it so stressful that you forget to have fun.

    • Claire December 27, 2011, 7:20 pm

      Oh and re: plastic glasses – people need to accept that the plastic glasses ended with the 2000’s. It simply doesn’t work if the year doesn’t have two zero’s in the middle. Stop the madness.

      • CaitlinHTP December 27, 2011, 8:15 pm

        lolzzzzzzzzzzzz

  • Anna December 27, 2011, 4:17 pm

    Sometimes I hate planning for NYE..there is so much pressure to do something fun and crazy! My friends and I are doing a potluck dinner and then probably heading downtown. I figure it is a good mix of low-key and fun!

  • Brooke @ sweats & sweets December 27, 2011, 4:18 pm

    I would go with fancy dinner. It’d be a nice way to spend yalls last New Years together before the baby. And it doesn’t mean you have to stay there all night..just a way to celebrate.

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove December 27, 2011, 4:23 pm

    My husband and I, along with 2 other couples are going to a masquerade ball at a resort (spending the night)! I have a gown, hubby is wearing a suit and we both have masks!!

  • Claire December 27, 2011, 4:33 pm

    We’re having a mini-party, just a couple of couples. I call it “less than a party but more than nothing.” I’m going to make Ina Garden’s beef bourguignon and we bought a case of champagne so everyone can go to town.

  • katie @ KatieDid December 27, 2011, 4:33 pm

    I’d probably get out of the house if I were you two since having a newborn can be somewhat limiting for getting out as much. A fancy dinner out is always fun, or the 4 of you could cook a fancy dinner all together.

  • Army Amy* December 27, 2011, 4:35 pm

    My fave New Years activity is to get tons of appetizers, put on my pj’s, and watch tv. I’m going to bed early this year, though. I’m running a half marathon on New Years Eve and another half marathon on New Years Day!*

  • Laura December 27, 2011, 4:36 pm

    My crossfit gym is having a guest appreciation event that night, so I’m trying to talk my husband into that. I doubt we’ll stay out till midnight. The thought of going out dancing or to bars all night makes me want to cry. How did I get so old?

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 27, 2011, 4:40 pm

    Swim 1,2,3,4 or 5×2012 yards, of course:
    http://www.terrapinmasters.org/NY2012.htm

  • Jen December 27, 2011, 4:44 pm

    Hubby and I are not NYE people at all. It’s a huge pain in the butt to get a cab around here, so it kinda kills off going out for dinner or to a club because it’s going to be at least an hour or more wait for a taxi to get home 🙁 This year we’re celebrating on the 30th at our favourite restaurant (thanks to generous friends & family who gave us gift cards for Xmas!) On the 31st we’ll probably catch a matinee, cook up something delicious at home for dinner, then watch a few movies. If we’re still awake at midnight (50/50 chance!) we’ll toast with champagne and then hit the sack…yah, we’re party animals and we know it 😉

  • Kelly December 27, 2011, 4:45 pm

    We usually do a more low-key New Years Eve. We generally go to our friends house with some other couples, make a nice dinner, play games, and chill. My friend’s birthday is January 1, so there is also generally some kind of birthday treat at midnight too!

  • Jenn December 27, 2011, 4:46 pm

    House party! They always end up being tons of fun when you’re playing games:)

  • Gillian @ The Greener Bean December 27, 2011, 4:47 pm

    NYE Plans: I am going up to a cabin in VT with my boyfriend and some friends. This is the perfect antithesis to our life in NYC, and we are really looking forward to it!

    I say you treat yourself to a dinner out and then get cozy back at home to watch the ball drop 🙂

  • Beth @ 990 Square December 27, 2011, 4:49 pm

    We’re hosting a dinner party for the third year running. It’s super fun, you can dress up if you want, and you’re not paying for some big expensive thing that you won’t get your money’s worth out of!

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope December 27, 2011, 4:57 pm

    We have no idea what we’re doing either. Initially, i wasn’t even going to be able to celebrate because I had to work on January 1st (meaning 4am alarm), but then someone switched with me. Part of me wants to go see the fireworks, but then it’s going to be so busy with so many people. But I don’t want to just stay in! no idea.

  • Vishwa December 27, 2011, 5:13 pm

    I think going out to a fancy dinner/movie marathon or fancy dinner/comedy club would be a great idea and if you don’t want to spend too much then you could just have a potluck and do either of those two things. I honestly think you should go out since you won’t be able to go out for a while after the baby. Hope this helps. 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey December 27, 2011, 5:14 pm

    I hate going out for NYE. Honestly, I never have a good time when I go out to the bars since I don’t really drink too much. I’d rather go out for a nice dinner and then come home to relax!

    • AmandaonMaui December 27, 2011, 7:13 pm

      I feel you on that. I just don’t have that great of a time at bars. I don’t drink much at all, and I don’t like being surrounded by drunken drama and stupidity. I also don’t like paying that much for a drink or trying to fight to get something from the bar.

  • Jacalyn December 27, 2011, 5:41 pm

    For the past 3 years we have had a pajama party and rotate who hosts it. We set it up buffet style with everyone bringing different dishes and play Wii and different board games all night. This way, after the party, everyone can just crash since we are all in our pj’s.

  • mrschelles December 27, 2011, 5:46 pm

    Nothing, and it feels oh so good. We’re ALWAYS busy doing something, so I really treasure the times when I can sit around in my pjs watching movies and playing video games with my husband and son. As long as I’m with my guys, it’s always a party!
    Happy New Year!

  • Tanya December 27, 2011, 5:49 pm

    We go to a party at a very sensible neighbor’s house. They ring in the new year Greenwich Mean Time, which for us is 4pm. We’re home by early evening and I can go to bed at my usual 10pm and start the new year feeling properly refreshed.

  • loreejo December 27, 2011, 5:59 pm

    We’re doing Miami! Any tips?

    • CaitlinHTP December 27, 2011, 7:16 pm

      oooo hit up SoBo! Or the Grove. Grove might be even more fun.

  • Alaina December 27, 2011, 6:06 pm

    This year my husband and I are going to a friend’s house with a bunch of other people I went to college with. I’m so excited! I haven’t seen some of them for years! 🙂

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch December 27, 2011, 6:08 pm

    We’re taking the mullet approach (you know, business up front, party in the back): we’re all rounding up our toddlers and going to a friend’s house for mac n cheese and sippy cups/fondue and martinis! Pack n plays upstairs, partay downstairs! (and yes, with enough responsible non-drinkers to make it all kid-safe)

  • Christie December 27, 2011, 6:15 pm

    I’m 35 weeks pregnant so no clubbing for me. We’re having a couple of friends over and making some snacky foods. We’ll probably rent a movie and watch the ball drop on tv.

  • Liz December 27, 2011, 6:20 pm

    I say have a fancy dinner party at your house – have people dress up but you can still save some cashola by having it at home instead.

    I also like the pajama party idea. Board games should definitely be involved if you go that route.

    My group is also completely at a loss – we have multiple options but I’m letting someone else take the reins and just going to go with the flow!

  • Kris December 27, 2011, 6:28 pm

    We’re going to the Club in the community where we live because our good friends wanted to. Honestly though, my favorite NYE activity is either a house party w/ lots of appetizers, or a fancy dinner at home w/ friends (each couple brings one fancy dinner item off a pre-planned menu). I think a pj party w/ board games would be lots of fun. Or a theme movie night — sci fi, horror, comedy, sappy, spy thriller, etc.

  • Lindsay December 27, 2011, 6:46 pm

    we are doing dinner out with our good friends/couple. 🙂 🙂 driving is always a disaster on nye, neither of us drink a ton so paying big bucks for an “all inclusive” night at a bar has never appealed to us… dinner with some close friends is fabulous. we did it last year. just enough to celebrate but not enough to break the bank or be hungover in the morning. 🙂 🙂

  • Meesh December 27, 2011, 6:51 pm

    I love a good ol’ fashioned boardgames night! Just a suggestion 🙂

  • Socal Rachel December 27, 2011, 7:07 pm

    I didn’t want to pay $$$ to go out to club or dinner so I decided to volunteer with a few people to decorate Rose Parade floats.

    Good luck deciding what to do.

  • AmandaonMaui December 27, 2011, 7:10 pm

    We have no idea what we’re doing. We may be camping, we may be home. We could go do the same night club thing as last year (it’s nothing like night clubs over there), but I’m not feeling it. I really have no idea. I’m just not that into it this year unless someone tells me about something amazing.

  • Cristina December 27, 2011, 7:17 pm

    The last couple years we’ve either had a fancy dinner out or gone to a big group dinner, but this year we’re going to friend’s house party. I’m excited!

  • Luv What You Do December 27, 2011, 7:24 pm

    Dinner Party sounds like a great plan!

    We are making crab legs, drinking some champagn and playing the Wii. Oh and possibly watching hte Indiana game!

  • Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine December 27, 2011, 7:25 pm

    No plans yet! Probably just low key hanging out with good friends and/or family 🙂

  • Sarah December 27, 2011, 7:28 pm

    We are going to bed early so we can get up super early and ski right when the lifts open! Everyone else is hungover so the slopes are empty. It’s become my favorite tradition!

  • Kristin @ Wounded Fawn December 27, 2011, 7:34 pm

    Since my boyfriend is currently away I don’t feel much like doing anything. I plan on being in my pajamas, drinking hot chocolate and watching something funny!

    A dinner party sounds nice! That way you can still get to sleep at a decent hour!

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) December 27, 2011, 7:36 pm

    I would rather stay home than do anything, but I’m going to a party this year. I’m used to watching the ball drop in my pajamas!

  • TeenyLittleSuperChef December 27, 2011, 7:59 pm

    I used to be such a big party-goer on New Year’s Eve but now I’d much rather wear my PJ’s and ring in the new year on the couch with my loved ones. This year we’re having my parents over to our house to make sushi and drink some champagne and hot sake. Doesn’t get more crazy than that, right?

  • Charise December 27, 2011, 8:37 pm

    We’ll be doing our Christmas w/ my dad this weekend, so it’ll be a low-key family night for NYE – with plenty o’ sparkling wine and snacks and probably a few board games and likely a spontaneous dance party. 🙂

  • erica December 27, 2011, 8:59 pm

    NYE is a big get-together for my college friends (we are all mid-late twenties now). We are mostly in the Sacramento/Bay Area, but some are across the country and come back to their families for the holidays. This year, it’s a lake front cabin for 20 of us on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore for five nights. Skiing, hot tubbing, drinking, dancing, concerts… we are stoked.

  • Winnie December 27, 2011, 9:07 pm

    My favorite NYE since I moved to Charlotte was a road race in Tanglewood Park. It’s about an hour and a half north of CLT and it is a really fun, low key environment. I think that there is a walk and a fun run. The lights are great and super kitschy!! They have a little after party celebration afterwards as well. Here’s the website if anyone in the CLT area is interested. I wish I could do it again this year but I will be up in Snowshoe, WV trying not to bust my rear…I’ll be skiing for the first time!

    http://www.forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) December 27, 2011, 9:18 pm

    I feel ya – being 5 months pregnant I am not really feeling like a night on the town. Ha! We are headed to my in laws lake house (1.5 hrs away) to ring in the New Year. I’m excited… movies, games, good food and just some relaxing.

  • Khushboo December 27, 2011, 11:47 pm

    This year is an overnight house party with some friends! Althogh
    I am more than happy to have a low-key NYE- always so overrated!

  • Mel December 28, 2011, 2:34 am

    I am currently at the airport awaiting my flight to New York City for NYE! It’s been on my bucket list for awhile, so I’m really excited! I’ve typically gone to a friends house for NYE though and it’s always been fun…you should host a dinner party!

  • Marty December 28, 2011, 7:18 am

    Staying in with a friend and making some great vegetarian food, watching a movie or two, watching the ball drop, then calling friends and family at midnight to wish them a Happy New Year.

  • Nicole (the other one) December 28, 2011, 7:33 am

    We are having a dinner party, but to spice things up we are going with a “Chopped” theme using the Food Network television show. Each guest is assigned a course of the menu to prepare. The morning of the party, the hosts call each guest to tell them what their mystery ingredient is (since we don’t have a food network sized pantry, we need a LITTLE bit of extra time to pick out a recipe and shop for ingredients). We all show up at the hosts house and get cooking. Should be fun…or a disaster. We can always order pizza at the last minute.

  • Trin December 28, 2011, 7:58 am

    My husband and I like to put together a “end of year” survey. We fill out the answers separately and then head out for a fancy dinner to compare answers. We usually get home about 10:30 and ring in the new year on the living room floor while the ball drops. *ahem*

  • Carolina John December 28, 2011, 8:22 am

    Get ready for lots of new years eve’s just watching the ball drop on TV while the kids sleep peacefully in the next room! If you want to go out somewhere for new years, even if it’s not to a club, make the most of this last chance for a while.

  • Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe December 28, 2011, 8:46 am

    We’re having a New Years Eve FOOTIE PAJAMA PARTY! Everyone bought footie pajamas and we’re just gonna ForeverLazy it up with Wii, Rock Band on PS3, cards and then maybe go in our hot tub! I plan to wear my bathing suit under my footies! Then on New Years Day, I’m running a 5k in my footies!

    • CaitlinHTP December 28, 2011, 11:12 am

      Hahah I want to be your friend.

  • Alett December 28, 2011, 8:59 am

    oooh! Tough decisions! Dinner party with fave movies then ball drop sounds good to me (if I were in your shoes that is). Hubby and I are going out with 2 other couples for a NYE prix fixe menu at a restaurant in the North End (the “little Italy” of Boston). Hubby and I actually live in the North End so it is not much of a stretch to go there. After dinner we will each go our separate ways. Hubby & I will hang out at home until just before midnight when we’ll open up a small bottle of bubbly and watch the Boston harbour fireworks.

    Whatever you choose to do – I am sure it will be a fun one!

  • Sara December 28, 2011, 9:09 am

    Dinner party sounds fun! Or a movie marathon. We usually go to my in-laws and then get back in time to watch the ball drop at home and maybe catch a movie beforehand. 🙂

  • Amanda December 28, 2011, 9:52 am

    Ever since having kids, we usually just stay home and have a special dinner, watch movies, and have some champagne at midnight while watching the ball drop. It’s pretty great 🙂

  • Ange December 28, 2011, 9:57 am

    We do one of two things on New Years: go out for an early (5:30 seating) fancy dinner, or have a lateish dinner or appetizers at home, followed by Wii or Kinect games until midnight and then we gladly crawl into our beds 🙂

  • Jess December 28, 2011, 11:02 am

    I’ll be in the Netherlands for NYE! We’ve always spent NYE with members of our family and this year we’re lucky enough to have some family overseas – so excited!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 28, 2011, 11:42 am

    I think a dinner party sounds fun! My friends aren’t really into that kind of thing though so we’re having a small house party to celebrate.

  • Rachel Woods December 28, 2011, 12:23 pm

    some cities offer alcohol free and family friendly events! In Columbus Ohio there is n event called “First Night” with live music, food and kid friendly stations scattered within walking distance down town. It is actually VERY fun, even without the booze!

  • Amber K December 28, 2011, 1:02 pm

    At 28 I’m probably “too old” to go party it up, but I never have before! I have only ever stayed home and watched it on TV – living on the West coast I can even cheat and watch it at 9pm, lol. This year my husband and I want to go out and actually do something! Still haven’t decided what exactly, but I know I don’t wanna stay home!

  • Becky December 28, 2011, 1:06 pm

    The husband and I have opted for a dinner party for two, followed by a movie marathon and champagne on the couch as we watch the ball drop. Soooo looking forward to a low-key New Year’s Eve with my husband and two dogs!

  • Kelli December 28, 2011, 2:18 pm

    Growing up, my family always had a truly massive New Year’s Eve part at our house. You can take the great aspects of a big party and adapt for a more intimate crowd:
    -pot luck smorgasbord (everyone brings their favorite treats to keep in the living room and an entree/side for the kitchen so you can help yourself when you’re ready for dinner)
    -movie marathon constantly running in one room (you can pick a diretor, genre, or actor and just pick a few of your favorites)
    -sparkling cider for the midnight toasts (not many drinkers in my family, so this is usually what we drink on New Years’ anyway!)
    -traditional and cheap decorations make all the difference in creating a festive mood (cut out your own signs and confetti or pick them up cheap with some noise blowers at the dollar or grocery store)
    -get dressed up! (just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you don’t want to look fabulous in the pictures later)

    Hope no matter what you guys end up doing you have a fabulous night 🙂

  • Carina December 28, 2011, 2:39 pm

    Go out this year no matter what — it may be your last chance for NYE night out for several years since babysitters are hard to come by that night!

  • Allison December 28, 2011, 4:09 pm

    We made reservations to go out to a nice dinner [and use a gift certificate that my momma gave us for Christmas] but may just stay in and invite some people over… The cover fees to go out anywhere in the DC area are redic $$$ :-Z

  • KaraHadley December 28, 2011, 8:23 pm

    I think either a dinner party or a house party sounds great. Both are things you won’t really be able to do with a baby in tow, so I think you should do your best to soak up those things up while you still can.
    And I have no idea to do either. Usually our friends have a big fancy party, but they’re not this year. So…I think a bar hop might just be in order.

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd December 29, 2011, 9:26 am

    My New Years: A day in Charlestown, WV for some Grade-A gambling + a house party! I think any of your options would be grand except the last! Stay up and do something fun on your last New Years as a family of 2!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 29, 2011, 7:48 pm

    We are having 2 other couples over for a vegetarian dinner party on New Years Eve. We will play it by ear after dinner … maybe go to a house party, maybe movie, maybe a lounge. Not sure yet!

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