New Year’s Eve is always an exciting time of year. We are saying good-bye to the old year and looking forward to the new. It is an evening of celebration and friendship and it is also a ridiculously expensive evening that, more often than not, doesn’t live up to our high expectations. People spend weeks planning the evening and shopping for the perfect outfit. Babysitters are booked weeks in advance and their rates are tripled for that evening. Clubs, bars and restaurants are far more expensive than they are the rest of the year, but it turns out just like a regular night with the exception of the midnight countdown. So, why not look for less expensive alternatives?
I’ve begun to thoroughly enjoy spending a night in with friends. The clothes are more comfortable, the drinks are cheaper and you can hear your conversations. There is none of the “special night” letdown because there are no expectations other than enjoying time with your friends. Also, it is much easier to be safe because there is usually a guest bedroom or a couch to sleep on so that you don’t have to worry about an irresponsible drive home.
There are also many restaurants that offer less expensive alternatives. These are usually the restaurants that don’t have crowded bars. I’ve seen some local restaurants offering tasting menus so that you can sample a little bit of many of the selections on the menu. Before deciding on a restaurant, make sure that you call ahead to find out if they are only offering a specific New Year’s menu. Some will deviate from the traditional menu and offer only a special menu and those offering are often a lot more expensive than what you would order otherwise. Also, make sure you call to find out if reservations are necessary. There would be nothing worse than driving around looking for somewhere to go.
Whatever you do for New Year’s eve, make sure that you have fun and that you are safe and responsible. Don’t place exceptionally high expectations because you may be disappointed and have a great time. Don’t drink and drive, but try to arrange a designated driver or a place to sleep if you want to eat, drink and be merry!
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?
