Create a French-Themed New Year's Eve Celebration for Kids

New Year's Eve can create a dilemma for a family with young children. Do I pay top-dollar for a babysitter? Is there a way to include the kids in the festivities as I do for every other holiday? My boys would love to wear funny hats and make noise, but bedtime is 7:30. Midnight is not an option. Well, at least not midnight in our Eastern Time Zone. Then it occurred to me that the New Year arrives at 6:00 p.m. in Paris. Why not celebrate at the same moment the fireworks explode behind the Eiffel Tower? So now I invite extended family and friends to drop by for a late afternoon French-themed party. Here are some fun and easy ideas for celebrating a French New Year's Eve:

Set the Mood
Transform your home into a Parisian cafe. I have travelled to France many times, so I haul out the touristy Eiffel Tower figurines, postcards, and photos of trips gone by. If you don't have the souvenirs, then go online and print off photos of Paris. Check out your local music store for some selections of French music to play during your get-together. If you are comfortable navigating a French web site, go to www.fnacmusic.com You will be able to listen to a variety of music and purchase downloads of what you like.

Prepare a French Feast
Kid-friendly French (or French-inspired) finger foods are the highlight of the party. We munch on mini-quiches, Brie, ham and butter baguette sandwiches, croissant-wrapped mini hot-dogs, and chocolate fondue with lots of healthy fruits!

French Toast
Just before "midnight" we pass around the noisemakers and fill glasses with sparkling juice. Of course, we can't forget the "French Toast". First, the countdown: Trois, Deux, Un . . . Bonne Année (Happy New Year)! At the stroke of six, we raise our glasses, eat French toast sticks, blow horns, and sing a rousing version of "Frère Jacques."

Grown-up Time
By the time our "real" midnight rolls around, the kids are in bed, my house is cleaned up, and my husband and I can enjoy a quiet glass of French champagne. Maybe one day I'll want the big, dress-up parties I used to love BK ("Before Kids"). For now, a quiet start to the New Year is exactly what my soul craves.

Why We Love It
The kids enjoy participating in a fun, new holiday, but still start the year off right by going to bed on time. Older children and adults can also call it a night, or just consider it the first stop before continuing on to the next event. Some of our older relatives truly appreciate having a celebration that ends early, and otherwise might not have a party to attend. As for me, I have a wonderful time with the people who matter most to me, and I get to share a culture that I know and love.

An Evolving Tradition
For now, we're sticking to France. But if we ever need to add a little variety or adjust the party's time, we'll just find a new country to celebrate. Bonne Annee! Happy New Year!