Happy Thursday! It’s the last Thursday of the month year so I am linking up with Holly and Patty to answer 10 fun seasonal questions. I love thinking about my answers and seeing everyone else’s answers, too!

In January, we talked about beating the winter blues.

In February, we talked about warm weather destinations.

In March, we talked about spring fashion.

In April, we talked all about spring.

In May, we talked about Memorial Day.

In June, we talked about summer fun – vacations, trips, and adventures.

In July, we talked about summer fashion.

In August, we talked about back to school.

In September, we talked about fall and Halloween fun.

In October, we talked about Thanksgiving.

In November, we talked about holidays.

This month we are talking about ringing in the new year.

1. How do you ring in the new year?

We have done it many different ways. We’ve been to neighborhood parties, had family friends over, had a fancy dinner party with friends, been to friends’ parties, and gone to bed early. I’m not sure what we are doing this year. 

2. Any special New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day traditions?

Sometimes we bang pots and pans at midnight or whenever we’d send the kids to bed. We always eat pork and mashed potatoes on New Year’s Day. Growing up, my parents had us eat sauerkraut too but I HATE sauerkraut so I’ve dropped that tradition.

3. Favorite New Year’s Eve memories?

I don’t remember this, but I’ve heard it a bunch. One year my aunt and cousin came to celebrate NYE with us. My mom, dad, and aunt all kept turning the clocks forward so that the kids would think we stayed up until midnight and go to bed at a reasonable time. They didn’t realize how far they’d turned it back and the kids were all in bed by 8 pm thinking it was midnight. Too funny! 

4. Show us some New Year’s Eve outfits. We need inspiration.

I have been looking at this outfit for a cozy night at home (pants)

or this one. I love all three colors!

If I am going out, I love a little sparkle on New Year’s Eve.

5. What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

Well now that Christmas is over, I am looking forward to warm weather. I’m not kidding. Bring on the sunshine and warm weather asap! 

I am looking forward to the usuals – making memories with family and friends. I love thinking about a new year as a fresh start. I try to continue the things that are going well and use the date as an opportunity to change or end things that aren’t going so well.

6. Asleep by 10 pm or ring in the new year?

While I always want to be up until midnight, I don’t often. My main reason for staying up is FOMO! I don’t want to feel lame and go to bed, but I always enjoy waking up rested in a new year. I love the idea of wearing a cute outift and celebrating with friends, but I wish we could do it in a happy hour from 4-8 instead of 8-12.

Jeff is team go to bed. Jack and Luke usually want to stay up until midnight but don’t. Last year, they’ve played golf on New Year’s Day so they needed to go to bed. I’m not sure what our plans will be this year.

7. Do you have a word or goals for 2024?

I always have goals but I am still working on them for this year. I have picked a word for the year in years past, but I don’t think I am going to this year.

8. Best self care tips to share in the new year?

Move every day. Take a little time to read every day. Get outside for a bit. Always pack lunches the night before so your mornings are smoother.

9. Paper planner? Electronic planner? None? Share your favorite brands or apps please.

I am a paper planner girl. I use the Erin Condren vertical life planner and have for years. I don’t move into a new planner in January though. I typically do that in July getting ready for the new school year. Jeff loves his Google calendar and says it would be easier if I did too, but I just can’t make the move.

10. Black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day? Yay or nay?

Nope! Never had them.

That was fun! Are you staying up to ring in the new year or heading to bed early? Such a tough decision… I’ll be back tomorrow with a year end wrap up. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!

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