Grapes At "Midnight"

This is just a fun idea I found, also from Martha.

It is Spanish custom to eat 12 grapes at "midnight" to bring good luck to the coming year.

My kids love grapes, and I loved that it was a healthy treat for the evening!

And, while we are talking "snack ideas" for New Years, let your kids have a fun champagne class of sparkling grape or apple juice.

You can find these usually in the juice isle, and they are made by trusted brands like Welch's.

I found plastic champagne glasses at the Dollar Store, and my kids thought they were super special when we all "toasted" the New Year.

New Years Hats

Toddler, Pre-K, K, 6 & Up

This idea is pretty simple, and it gives the kids something to do while they are waiting to countdown until midnight (which is 8:00 at our house :)

To make this craft you will need:

• Construction paper
• Markers or crayons
• Stapler
• Scissors

I cut the shapes out for my kids, but if yours are old enough, they may want to do that themselves. Let them decorate their hats and then cut out a band from the remainder of the construction paper (give the kids half or 2/3 for the hat, saving yourself half or 1/3 for the band). Staple the band on their hat adjusting for head fit.

Bubble Wrap Noise Maker

Mommy Craft

This was a HUGE hit--although, I had no idea just how loud it would be on hard wood floors!

I got the idea from Martha Stewart, and it was easy and fun!

To make this activity you will need:

• Bubble wrap
• Sharpie markers in various colors
• White paper
• Tape

First, turn the bubble wrap so that the flat part is facing up. You will want to color in a few circles with your sharpie markers. This really is a neat effect!

I taped several pieces of white construction paper together, but if you have access to a roll of paper, or, you could make a large square and put it on a poster board. I taped my bubble wrap to my paper, but first I wrote "2011" in several different spots to make it more festive. Then, I taped the paper to the floor. This is important, because it will slide on the kids! If you have carpet--you will likely be better served--but the kids love it no matter where it is!