It is almost the New Year, and we have a list of New Year’s cheap and easy traditions for you in Wichita. We also have some fun New Year’s facts and more. It marks the start of a new year. It’s often time for people to come together with friends and family to celebrate.
Celebrating the New Year doesn’t have to break the bank to be enjoyable. The essence of the occasion lies in spending quality time with loved ones, reflecting on the past, and embracing the possibilities of the future. Simple yet meaningful activities like hosting a potluck dinner, enjoying a cozy night in with friends, or watching fireworks at a local community event can create lasting memories without the need for extravagant spending.
The focus should be on the joy of the moment and the company of those you care about, emphasizing the value of experiences over material costs. By prioritizing connection and simplicity, you can have a fulfilling and memorable New Year celebration without the pressure of excessive expenses.
New Year Cheap and Easy Traditions:
- Start a tradition of creating a memory jar. Jot down significant moments, achievements, or happy memories on small notes. Open the jar on New Year’s Eve and reminisce and reflect on the year together.
- Begin the New Year with a breath of fresh air. Take a nature walk or hike with friends or family to appreciate the beauty around you.
- Pro Tip: Numerous Kansas State Parks – and a Wichita city park – are offering First Day Hikes, which are guided hikes on New Year’s Day, January 1.
- Go Ice Skating at Chicken N Pickle. Click here for more info.
- Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. Where to Volunteer in Wichita
- Bake goodies and deliver them to police officers or to the fire station.
- Host a potluck-style dinner where each guest brings a dish to share. This not only eases the burden on the host but also adds variety to the menu.
- Have a game night with board games or card games. It’s a cost-effective way to have fun and engage with others.
- Go to Illuminations at Botanica on December 30th. Click here for more info
- Grab some friends and family and go bowling. Bowling Deals in Wichita
- Free and cheap date night ideas.
- Host a movie marathon with your favorite films, or create a theme for the night. Don’t forget the popcorn!
- Check out Wichita Restaurant Speicals to enjoy dinner or lunch out in Wichita.
- Get creative with homemade decorations using materials like paper, string lights, or even recycled items. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to set a festive atmosphere.
- Instead of going to a crowded venue, countdown to the New Year at home with close friends or family. You can watch the countdown on TV and celebrate in a cozy setting. Don’t forget to get out your pots and pans to bang on at Midnight.
- Family campout! Pull mattresses into the living room and try to stay up to watch the ball drop.
- Here is a list of Cheap and Easy Games to play at home.
- Make a time capsule in a shoe box, then hide it until next year.
- Create a family bucket list for the new year.
- Have a new activity each hour:
- 5:00 – Reflection questions and get into jammies
- 6:00 – Art project
- 7:00 – Dinner and goals
- 8:00 – Games
- 9:00 – Dance party
- 10:00- Midnight – Movie
- Midnight– Celebrate and get to bed!
News Years is also a time to reflect. Here are some questions to ask your friends or family:
- What is your favorite thing about Wichita?
- What was something new you tried this year?
- A new skill you want to learn next year?
- What was your favorite family activity?
- Most embarrassing moment of the year?
- What’s the best memory you have from this year?
- What was your favorite movie?
- Pick 3 words to describe this year?
- What was your favorite song?
- What is your favorite photo from your phone from the year?
- What’s your favorite park or attraction in Wichita?
- Something you want to do for someone next year?
- What holiday was the best?
- What goal(s) did you accomplish?
- If you could go back and relive any day this year, which would you choose?
- What was your favorite tv show you watched?
New Years Fun Facts:
- Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a tradition that is supposed to bring you good luck. It’s most common in the South.
- In the US the most popular New Years’ tradition is to watch the ball drop in Times Square. The first ball drop took place in 1907 and has been going on ever since
- In many cultures, it’s believed that the way you spend New Year is the tone for the rest of the year.
- In Spain, it is tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight one for each stroke of the clock for good luck.
- In some parts of the world, it’s tradition to make noise on New Year’s Eve to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
- The tradition of celebrating the New Year dates back to ancient civilizations. the ancient Egyptians for example, celebrated the return of the Nile’s floodwaters, while the ancient Romans marked the start of the New Year on January 1st.
New Year can be so much fun if you just add a few extra little touches to make it special. We hope this helped!
Happy New Year, Wichita, on the Cheap Friends!!
