It’s nearly the end of 2020. One of the longest, most emotional years of all of our lives. And most likely one that will go down in history books for our next generations to learn about. Our most anticipated day of the year is almost here — New Year’s Eve. The official goodbye to 2020, and the time for a fresh mindset as we enter a hopefully better year. It’s the end of one of our worst years, but also the light at the end of the very long, dark, and scary tunnel that was 2020.
Though you may not feel like cheers-ing to this year (and rightfully so), it’s still a cause for celebration. Even if you have big plans to stay home and drink champagne in your pajamas on the sofa like me, there are still ways to make the evening just as special as those in the past. I’m not saying everything will magically be better when the clock strikes midnight, but it’s still worth closing out this really tough year on a high note.
SET THE MOOD
Getting the house feeling festive always helps me get into the right mentality. Before we get ourselves ready for the evening, I set scene. I’ll light candles in every space (make sure to use some of your most comforting scents!), dim the lights, turn on the fire, and lay out cozy blankets. That way, when the time comes to unwind and celebrate, the only thing on my mind is relaxing and enjoying the evening. Whether you’re alone or spending the night with a loved one, a soothing environment is always the best way to start a special evening.
GET DRESSED UP
Once your house is ready, get yourself ready! No matter what this looks like for you, put the extra effort in. If you always look forward to wearing full-on makeup and your most shimmery dress to ring in the new year — you do you! Just because you’re staying home and seeing no one doesn’t mean you have to look (and feel) that way. Be your best self! We should be welcoming in 2021 in style and putting our best feet forward. If you feel most confident in your favorite loungewear, wear that proudly! No matter what, shower, get dressed in what feels best for you, and wear it proudly. Pajama party for two by the fire? That will be me this New Year’s Eve, and it will be just as special as all those spent in sequins.
CHECK SOMETHING OFF YOUR TO-DO LIST
Before you kick the party off for the evening, look at that list of things you’ve been putting off for ages. We all have one. For me, it usually involves bringing something to the post office or hand-washing something. Pick one small thing off that list and get it done! A sense of accomplishment always helps boost your mood, and checking things off a looming list always brings be such a sense of relief. That way, even though January 1st won’t be the fix to all our problems, you’ll still have slightly less weight on your shoulders going into the new year.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
If there’s one thing I learned this year, it’s that time isn’t always a guarantee. Looking forward, I won’t be taking time or people for granted. If there’s anything you’ve always wanted to try but never made the time to do it, put it on your schedule for New Year’s Eve! It will give you something fun and exciting to look forward to, even if it’s not a normal NYE festivity. Always wanted to make a homemade pizza? Do it! Been wishing you’d carve out an hour to try that new workout you’ve been hearing your friends rave about? Maybe it’s a super fancy recipe you saw and wished you could try. Plan a date night in the kitchen to test it out — you can always order Chinese as a backup! I love the idea of making the most of the last moments of 2020 and bringing the mentality of not putting off trying something new into 2021.