Once Christmas is over, you are suddenly stuck in those few days of 'twixmas' limbo where you are still wearing winter pyjamas in the afternoon and eating chocolates for dinner. Before you know it, your thoughts start to turn to the next milestone; New Year's Eve.
You probably remember New Year's Eve as a time of elaborate plans, so many party invitations that you can't decide which to attend, and potentially sore heads the next day. But if you're a parent, you'll know those days are gone. Anything past 9pm feels like a late night, while hangovers + kids is a combination best avoided.
But that's not to say you're missing out. There's plenty to enjoy about celebrating New Year's Eve with your kids, or even just your other half if the little ones are in bed.
10 signs you are seeing in New Year as a parent:
Signs you are seeing in New Year's Eve as a parent
1 of 101) Big night in
When people ask about your New Year’s Eve plans, you see their eyes start to glaze over as you reel off the snacks, films, and board games you've lined up.
2 of 102) A select crowd
Graham Norton or Jools Holland are the only company you need on New Year’s Eve, and even then, will you actually be awake at midnight to welcome them?
3 of 103) Snug and smug
Okay, so you don’t have any glamorous events to go to. But you can take comfort in knowing you're at home with slipper socks and a fleecy blanket, rather than out in heels and sequins in sub-zero conditions.
4 of 104) Getting ready rituals
Once the kids are in bed you can get ready for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hair up, bra off and maybe some hand cream slathered on too.
5 of 105) Dress for dinner
Forget party dresses and fake eyelashes, you put on your comfy loungewear ready for your takeaway curry. And maybe the last few remaining Christmas chocolates. Or the leftover cheeseboard. Followed by a mince pie. Or two.
6 of 106) Cheers to you
Of course you’ll be toasting the New Year. At 8pm. With a mini bottle of prosecco.
7 of 107) Sofa-scrolling
Given that you haven’t had to shell out for taxis, event tickets or pay for drinks, it seems only wise to have a scour of the sales while you're saving money by sitting on the sofa…
8 of 108) Beat the rush
You beat the rush by swapping New Year greetings via Whatsapp at 10pm then nod off.
9 of 109) Kids + dogs
On January 1st the only people you see before 4pm are dog walkers or fellow parents.
10 of 1010) No bank holiday blues
The festive season has been lovely. But you know that going back to work will mean a bit more peace. No back-to-work blues for you, just adult conversation, hot coffee and uninterrupted lunch breaks.
As a freelance writer, Joanna Dunbar covers parenting, health and lifestyle with the odd opinion-based rant and celebrity interview thrown in.
Before freelancing (and juggling journalism with two young sons), Jo was on staff at Good Housekeeping, Bella, Woman and The Mail on Sunday. When not typing furiously or refereeing the kids, Jo can be found pulling on her trainers for a gentle run or baking up a storm in her quest to produce the perfect brownie batch.