Hate New Year’s Eve? 5 Ways to Make it a Little Better
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For some people, New Year’s Eve is a memorable night out. For others, it’s a night to get through as painlessly as possible. If you’re in the latter group, this is for you.
Whatever your personal reasons for dreading New Year’s Eve are, here are a few ideas to help make it slightly more bearable.
Realize You’re Not Alone
First, a lot of people hate New Year’s Eve. It’s not just you. There’s a whole movie called “I Hate New Year’s”, sure it’s a rom-com, but it exists. More importantly - science supports your sentiment. ASAPScience made a video explaining why so many of us feel let down by this holiday. The video cites one study that indicated 83% of individuals felt let down on New Year's, largely because they don’t wind up having as much fun as they thought they would. Other factors include trying too hard, optimism bias, reflection, alcohol, the cost, and the pressure to have a New Year’s Eve kiss.
It’s a lot of build-up for one night that’s often a letdown. And it’s pretty normal if you’re not feeling it, you’re in good company with thousands of others.
Stop Putting Pressure on Yourself
Your New Year’s Eve does not have to be epic. In fact, for most people, it’s not. Don’t buy into the hype. A lot of people had a tough year and a lot of people don’t have big plans for the “big” night. Whether you’re anti-New Year’s because you won’t be celebrating at an event, you didn’t have a great year, you’re feeling end-of-year stress at work or financially, or maybe you just aren’t really looking forward to next year. It’s all valid. And it’s ok to cut yourself some slack.
The end of the year may also be a good time to take a social media break. While many people feel the urge to post about what they’ve accomplished this year or what they want to achieve next year, you don’t have to feel dragged onto the bandwagon. Or feel diminished by what others or doing. Everyone has suffered setbacks (even the people who claim it’s been “the best year ever”). Because that’s how life works. Avoid situations, both real and digital, that don’t make you feel good about yourself.
Spend Time With People You Love
Have you ever felt alone in a room full of people? Lots of us have. And when the clock strikes midnight at a party you’re not enjoying, you may have one of those moments. So spare yourself the disappointment and surround yourself with people you actually care about.
Maybe it’s just you and your significant other, or your best friend, or your family. You’re even better off spending New Year’s Eve alone than being somewhere that the countdown leaves you feeling disconnected in a crowd.
Do Something You Actually Enjoy
If you aren’t a true extrovert, a party, a bar or a big group situation may be more draining than it is rewarding. So, forget feeling obligated to attend something that wears you down. You can also let go of the FOMO about not being invited to a celebratory event. You don’t need to be at someone’s party to have a great night.
There is nothing less special about a low-key game night, a movie, a home spa treatment, or a quiet champagne toast for two. All that matters is that you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing, and the people you’re with. Skip situations that don’t fill you with positive energy and ask yourself how you really want to spend the evening. If “doing nothing” is your honest answer - have at it proudly. It’s your night and you’ve earned it.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
If you’re feeling a little down about what you didn’t do this past year or not having anything planned for the coming year, make New Year’s Eve a chance to change the future. Go ahead and book that trip you’ve wanted to take, it doesn’t matter if it’s not until next November, putting it on next year’s calendar will feel pretty good. If travel is out of your budget, think smaller, research a class you can take, a language you can learn, a group you can join, or even just buy yourself a new book that you’d like to read next year.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing, in fact, small goals are usually more achievable, but anything you can put on your path that’s going to make you feel a little more positive anticipation for the days ahead will make New Year’s Eve a more optimistic experience.
No matter what happens as the clock runs out on this year, remember that December 31st is just another day. But if you can block out the noise of other people’s expectations and achievements (real or amplified) seek out the company of people and activities that make you happy, and be kind to yourself, the night just may not be so bad.
