If we’re honest, as parents, counting down to the New Year at noon sounds marvelous. After all, counting down to the New Year at 12:00 pm means that we didn’t miss the New Year when we fall asleep on the sofa at 10:27 pm. Or 8:27 pm. This year, it’s anyone’s guess.

So how does one make a Noon Years' countdown, well, count?

1. Make it feel festive! Turn on some dance tunes, blow up some balloons, hang some garland and make some party hats. Fancy clothes are optional!

2. If it feels appropriate to end your 2020 with some noise, make some home made noise makers with objects found around the house. An empty plastic jar filled with dried beans or rice can make just the right amount of noise. After the hour strikes, run outside and make some noise!

3. Queue up a ball drop from last year on YouTube, or check into some of these countries entering 2021 before us and look for webstreamed celebrations! Netflix usually has kid friendly countdowns as well.

4. Serve up something sparkly and drink from fun cups, and make finger foods for lunch.

5. For kids who are able to tell time, bake a round cookie or eat pizza and use Twizzlers or celery sticks to mark the time!

6. For an extra dose of family together time, make a family time capsule to open next New Years Eve! Include a note or drawing from each family member of what was great and what was hard about the year, and what their hopes are for next year.