Ringing in the New Year

If you're like me, you're holidayed-out at this point.  After knitting and crocheting Christmas gifts, cleaning the house, decorating, cooking, hosting, and making merry, my fa-la-la-la-la just fa-la-la-la-left.  And there's another holiday coming up just a couple of days away?  I don't think I have it in me for the next one.  I told my husband that Christmas was all about family and friends, but I want New Year's to be all about us--staying at home, relaxing, and having some peace and quiet.

Are you on the same page with me?  Are you in desperate need of some New Year's downtime in the comfort of your own home?  Here, then, are some ideas for things you can do at little or no charge (some with the help of your library and neighborhood perch librarian) to make ringing in the New Year a special one:

• Do a puzzle.  I'm not a whiz at puzzles, but a 300-500 piece puzzle is possible even for an anti-talent like me to complete before midnight.
• Watch a DVD.  Make some popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa, and watch that movie you've been wanting to see.
• Read a book.  I know I'm biased with this one, but you knew I had to say it.
• Play a board game.  Unplug from the electronic devices and play Monopoly, Checkers, Dominoes, etc.
• Take a bubble bath.  Spend some relaxing quality time with a very important person--you!
• Get some takeout.  Take a break from cooking and treat yourself to pizza, Chinese, burritos, or something else that tickles your taste buds.
• Eat chocolate.  Need I say more?

Of course, you can also sit down and write out your resolutions for the following year, but we'll save that discussion for another post.  Whatever you decide to do, have a safe and wonderful Happy New Year full of good reading!

With best wishes from the perch.