Celebrate New Year's Eve Without Alcohol

Celebrating the dawn of a new year is a long-running tradition in many countries all over the world. More often than not, the event brings to mind wild parties with alcohol flowing freely. Many recovering alcoholics find that they stay have to stay home on New Year's Eve, simply because the temptation indulge in alcoholic beverages is overwhelming.

Aside from recovering alcoholics, some people just don't drink alcohol. Those that don't partake in the bubbly find that being one of very few sober people in a room full of inebriated party-goers isn't much fun, and usually duck out early, before they get bombarded with requests to chauffer home those that are too drunk to drive.

Sadly, there will be many people that are oblivious to the fact that there is such a thing as being too drunk to drive, and they will do so. While staying home and watching the ball drop in Times Square on television seems to be a drag, keeping the party at home can be just as much fun as attending a brouhaha hosted by your intoxicated friends.

Hosting your own alcohol-free party can also be a way to ensure your teenage children are safe and not drinking, and they can even invite a few friends to come as well. There are recipes on the internet for non-alcoholic cocktails, called mocktails, which are as beautiful as they are delicious. The recipes even tell you what kind of glass to put the drinks in so they look authentic.

Load the kitchen table down with buffet-style foods that everyone will love. Grocery stores sell pre-made Buffalo wings and other party foods that take just a few minutes in the oven to heat up, so no one is stuck in the kitchen all evening preparing. Use disposable plates and plastic cutlery for quick clean up.

What's a party without games? Games have come a long way in recent years with cool graphics and who-done-it themes like CSI and DVD Clue. They are group games that are not only fun, but they have the potential to bring out the inner detective in all of us. These games appeal to just about any age group, and require interaction. They can be found online or at any retail chain that sells board games.

If there are teen guests at your party, it might be a wise idea to have them stay the night. After midnight, the chances of drunk drivers being on the road increases, and it may not be safe for teens to drive home. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and pillows for any guests that may not want to brave the drive home in fear they will be struck by a drunk driver, or if the roads get bad due to snow and ice. Laundering any sleeping bags from the garage in advance will help with the sleeping arrangements.

A successful party doesn't have to include alcohol, and can be just as much fun. New Year's Eve is what you make of it, so be creative with planning the party. Just because you're sober, it doesn't mean you can't don a New Year's tiara and blow party whistles at the stroke of midnight. No matter how you plan on celebrating, have fun and be safe.