New Year's Eve... With Kids.

In your swinging single days, New Year's Eve was the party of the (new) year.  Now that you have kids, well, it's not quite as swinging... at least not without a lot of strategizing.  If you still don't have your plans set, here are a few tips to make your celebration a little easier.

If you're looking to do something with your family, there's plenty of options.  One hundred and eleven cities across the globe now host a "First Night" community celebration.  It's an alcohol-free, family-friendly festival that can include dance, music, food, and more.  See if your city participates.

If you're looking for a quieter night at home, there's plenty to do.  eHow has lots of ideas on ringing in the New Year with your children.

But when you're looking to hit the town sans the wee ones, you'll need a qualified sitter.  In areas like Fort Myers, Florida, certified safety instructors hold sleepover parties for children on New Year's Eve that include games, gymnastics, and karaoke. 

If you're looking for at-home sitters, Ezinearticles.com has some invaluable tips (the first is call early, so you might need to print these out for next year).  A site like Sittercity can help you find a local babysitter, but always vet your sitters carefully!  Your best bet is to find a trusted friend or relative who's staying home for the evening.  (Print out some New Year's crafts to keep the kids occupied.)

Whether New Year's Eve is a quiet evening at home or a wild night on the town, be safe!  And remember to have a wonderful time!