With rates of Covid-19 infection rising rapidly across the county the only plan for New Year’s eve is one you enjoy at home with members of your own household or support bubble. Here are some ideas to help you reflect on 2020, set goals for 2021 and celebrate the arrival of the New Year safely.

Reflections

2020 may not have felt like your best year, but you probably achieved more than you thought during the pandemic. Did you pick up a new hobby, find new walking spots, or did you spend more quality time with your family than before? What about DIY projects? Write down a list of everything you achieved in 2020, no matter how small, and take a moment to feel good about them.

Resolutions

Now you’ve looked back on 2020, what do you want to do in 2021? While it may still be difficult to imagine what 2021 holds, with a COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out there are reasons to feel hopeful. In the meantime, while we are still being asked to limit our travel and contact with friends, there are still lots of resolution options.

  • Reading: Maybe you had more time to read this year while we all stayed home. How about planning on reading two more books than you read in 2020, or exploring different genres and authors. Libraries in East Sussex remain open and have plenty of online resources too. For example there are lots free e-books and e-audiobooks.
  • Wellbeing: 2020 has been a testing time for everyone and maybe in 2021 you’d like to prioritise your wellbeing by making small goals. Writing a line in a journal each day, trying mindfulness or improving your sleep are all little things that can make a big difference to your wellbeing. Check out Every Mind Matters: how to stay on top of your wellbeing at home.
  • Health: Health related resolutions are always a popular, especially after the Christmas season where most of us relax, drink more than usual and indulge in mince pies and treats (which we all very much deserve after this year!). Keep your resolutions small and long-term, rather than as a punishment for enjoying Christmas! Focus on one thing if you can, as you’ll be more likely to succeed. Maybe that’s finally giving up smoking, reducing alcohol intake, or moving more – check our One You East Sussex for support  or read our articles from earlier in the year, Better health in the time of Covid or ways to stay active while at home.
  • Helping your community: Perhaps you’ve already been volunteering or would like to give back in 2021? There are lots of organisations that would love to hear from you and how you can help. Your local foodbank and other local charities are a good place to start. Take a look at our article Help your community for suggestions. You may also want to think about becoming a COVID-19 vaccination champion.

You can find out more about making your resolutions stick by Being S.M.A.R.T. about New Year’s Resolutions.

Walk your way into 2021

Start your New Year’s Eve celebrations early with a safe family walk – there are so many lovely countryside walks to choose from in East Sussex, check out some of our faves in our article where to walk this Christmas.

Make staying in the new ‘out out’

(Said in a Mickey Flanagan style cockney accent.)

Just because you can’t go out doesn’t mean you can’t get dressed up, don the sequins, get glammed up and enjoy the fact you can stick to the comfort of your slippers. Don’t fancy getting dressed up? No problem, 2020 has been the year for loungewear, why change now!?

Get the kids involved – why not let the little ones go wild and choose their own outfits? Bow tie with a Mario onesie or a tutu wearing dinosaur? You could up the fun levels and even let them choose your outfits.

Games night

Plan a games night. Whether you host it on your own or bring back the virtual quizzes of the summer lockdown there is so much fun to have.

Don’t have any boardgames? No problem. Play a game of ‘Who am I?’ or charades, no props required just a pen and paper and your own imaginations!

Movie night

Keep it low key and kick of 2021 the right way – in your PJs on the coach. Good Housekeeping have got a great list of movies to watch on New Year’s Eve, because going out is not an option. Missing your mates? Why not enjoy a movie together with Teleparty (netflixparty.com).

Have a dinner party

Whip up a feast to see the New Year in. Whether you want a sit down meal, party food or just nibbles Good Food Guide have got some great New Year’s Eve family recipes. Did you know there is such a thing as lucky food!? Check our these good-luck foods to bring health, wealth, and happiness in 2021.