New Year's Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the globe. While bringing in the New Year is a joyous time of looking back and moving forward, it can tend to be a difficult environment for those who are pursuing sobriety. BUT, just because you aren't drinking, doesn't mean that you can't still celebrate. So grab your dancing shoes and pick up your microscope because here are five booze-free ideas to round out your 2018 festivities.
Sober Celebration
Typically parties tend to be a home of alcohol galore, but not at your Sober Celebration. You can throw your own Year Book themed party, complete with mocktails, sparklers, pictures/memories from the year (most iconic tweets or events), and food for the masses.
Concert
Most towns have some sort of local concert playing on the night of New Year's Eve, but if not, grab your friends and go to the Capital. You can see whoever you want and dance your socks off right into January 1st. Instead of pre-gaming with alcohol before the concert, so get slurpies or energy drinks and you will be plenty hyped up for the rest of the night.
Movie Marathon
Are you not the party type of person? That's okay! Snag all of your buddies and have a movie marathon. Choose an awesome series (I suggest Harry Potter or Twilight), get all the junk food and snacks you could ever want (fondue would be really fun), and drink up on some Sparkling Apple Cider. Viola! A cozy night of binging, without all of the consequences.
Late Night Drive
Take a cruise down memory lane on the night of NYE. Create a playlist with all of the best songs from 2018. You can jam out and revisit all of your staple hang out spots that you had frequented in the last 364 days. You can eat your favorite junk food, and when the clock hits midnight, roll down the windows and scream at the top of your lungs. I guarantee it will be the first time you have ever screamed from one year into the next.
Murder Mystery Game Night
Last but not least, you can host a spooky murder mystery game night. You can provide costumes or ask everyone to come already dressed up. Once everyone arrives, the game commences, clue style. While your game of life-sized clue plays out, people will be eliminated one by one, and right as the clock strikes twelve, you will find out who the murderer is. If that isn't entering the New Year with a bang, I don't know what is.
With all of the options available to have fun without the bottle, don't let peer pressure get you down. Join a community of people that will support you in your journey and celebrate with you along the way. It is never too late in the year to make a change in your life, so walk the path that is right for you!
