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Now that Christmas shopping and gift-sharing are done, it’s time to start thinking about how to bring in the new year.
For most people, New Year’s Eve parties are the first thing to come to mind.
But if you’re one of the people who either can’t or doesn’t want to ring in 2010 in a large crowd, Grace Whalen, owner of Whalen Creative Group in Warsaw, has a few suggestions.
While Whalen is used to planning and decorating for larger events, she also has ideas to help people celebrate the new year alone.
First and foremost, Whalen suggests celebrating yourself by pampering yourself.
"I would treat myself and order in," she says.
Before that, get a manicure and pedicure to reward yourself for making it through the past year, she suggests.
If you’ve been thinking about doing something different with your hair, but haven’t had time amid the holiday hustle and bustle to visit the salon, New Year’s Eve would be a good time to do it.
If you’re a cigar or pipe smoker, as Whalen’s husband is, pick up new tobacco and smoke a celebratory cigar, she says.
Have a fireplace? Light a fire or place lit candles in it to add a little warmth.
If you enjoy cooking, plan and prepare a special meal for yourself – something you’ve wanted to cook, but haven’t taken the time to.
And don’t forget your outfit.
"Sometimes you focus on getting a new outfit if you’re going to a party, but it’s good to do by yourself. It always feels good to get a new outfit," Whalen says.
If you’re the type who hates to be all dressed up with no place to go, then settle in for a relaxing evening with new pajamas or a nice lounging outfit.
And finally, grab a DVD or check out network programming schedules to see what you want to watch.
Whalen likes to watch the ball drop at the Time Square celebration in New York.
While plenty of suggestions can be found on the Internet for spending New Year’s Eve alone – some include treating the day as you would any other day – Whalen says to pamper, celebrate and reward yourself.
"It’s never fun to hear about the people who just let New Year’s go by," she says. "Do something. I think that’s important."
