You may have read about Gatlinburg’s spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display in our blog about Gatlinburg Winter Events. As the clock strikes midnight, thousands of visitors and locals alike will celebrate on the Gatlinburg square, ringing in 2014 amid fireworks and cold mountain air. This thrilling event is sought after by many Smoky Mountain visitors, but not all of them!
As the hour draws near, you may be temped to ditch the crowds and just cozy up to spend New Year’s Eve in a more relaxed, laid-back style. The cold air, the busy streets and general hustle and bustle of the town may be the perfect excuse you need for a New Year’s Eve rest after the stressful holiday season. If you’re ringing in 2014 with your family or children, it’s often more convenient and just as fun to spend the holiday in your Gatlinburg cabin rental! Here’s now…
Start with dinner.
Nothing is more traditional than a New Year’s Eve feast! Start out the evening by preparing a wonderful dinner that will satisfy your family until that midnight ball drop. Take this time to take advantage of our cabin’s full kitchens by preparing one of your family’s favorite dishes. Prepare something you normally wouldn’t…even labor and time intensive meals can be fun! Just round up your family for a helping hand. Light candles, set the table and enjoy a memorable sit-down dinner that your family will love.
Make your resolutions.
After dinner, light the fireplace in your Smoky Mountain cabin and curl up on the couches with your family. Cozy up with a blanket and talk about the year past – both the highs and the lows! Have each member of your family write down one thing (a memory or a grudge) that they would like to let go of in 2014. Toss the pieces of paper into the fire – this simple act actually carries a lot of symbolic meaning that will help your family grow in the upcoming year. Then, ask everyone to announce their resolutions for 2014!
Prepare for midnight!
If you’re celebrating with adults, prepare the champagne for the midnight toast. If you’re celebrating with children, prepare the bubbly grape juice! Create your own ball drop from a trash bag and lots of balloons or bring along confetti and noisemakers for the final countdown. One of our favorite ways to celebrate with children? A large roll of bubble wrap! Spread it out on the floor and stomp, hop and jump away when the clock strikes midnight. It will be a liberating experience that your children will remember for years to come!