Family Corner
By Krystle J Bailey
It was New Year’s Eve 1999, and I found myself conflicted. On one hand, I was excited to attend the annual family New Year’s Eve celebration in my grandparents’ ’50s-themed basement. On the other, it was possible that the world was ending at the strike of midnight. Computers would explode, traffic systems would shut down, and what little we knew about technology would cease to exist as the buzz about the Y2K bug heightened and fear spread.
I had just turned twelve, and without a cell phone in sight, my comprehension of the world at large was limited by what I heard through the local grapevine. The news wasn’t something often aired in my living room, and access to information wasn’t what it is today. The only thing my pre-pubescent brain could make sense of was that life as I knew it could end at midnight, and I was determined to party like it just in case.
The snacks and soda were abundant throughout the night as I swayed my hips to The Twist, shot pool with my uncles, and served as the Jukebox DJ. If the grownups were worried, I couldn’t tell by the smiles on their faces. Still, as the clock inched closer to midnight, I remember my excitement being diluted with trepidation as I wondered what was really going to happen when the calendar flipped into the year 2000.
Spoiler alert: the world didn’t end.
Twenty-four years have passed since that New Year’s Eve, and so much has changed. The infamous ’50s basement that housed the yearly celebration and many of my birthday parties was sold a few years back. Technology is more advanced than ever, and I now have a teenage daughter of my own. These days, my idea of a great New Year’s celebration is being asleep before midnight and well-rested for the first day of the new year. In the years between 1999 and now, I’ve celebrated the New Year in every way possible, from hosting my own parties to dancing my heart out in Atlantic City.
No matter the year or the celebration, the feeling of the New Year remains one of renewal. It’s a moment in time when the masses stop to celebrate life, reflect on the year behind us, and look forward to the hope for tomorrow. While we may not be worried about the functionality of our floppy disks in the morning, the turning of the calendar inspires a collective awareness that we’ve been blessed to see yet another year.
Whether you’re anticipating an early bedtime like me or want to wear the kids out before you drop them off at grandmom’s for the night, check out these daytime NYE activities:
Dave and Buster’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dave and Buster’s opened its doors in Atlantic City this month. To kick 2024 off with a bang, they are hosting two big New Year’s Eve Celebrations, including a daytime event for the whole family, complete with unlimited video game play, bottomless fountain drinks, and delicious appetizers. The party takes place at 4 p.m. and includes a ginger ale toast to ring in the new year early. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/DaveandBustersNYE. Looking for something fun to do with the adults? Check out their evening event, which begins at 9 p.m.
Ocean City’s First Night
There is so much to do during Ocean City’s 31st Annual First Night. The family-friendly celebration boasts over 70 activities at 20 local venues, from live entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier to photo booth opportunities, community activities at the Ocean City Library, game shows at Ocean City High School, and so much more.
The annual ribbon cutting takes place at 3:45 at the Ocean City Music Pier, and the evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight on Fifth Street. For tickets and information, visit firstnightocnj.com.
Young’s Skating Center
For a little 1999 nostalgia, ring in the new year in style at Young’s. The 13th Annual Young’s Skating Center will host the Rollin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration from 1-3:30 p.m. Limited light-up skates are available, and the countdown takes place at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at youngsskatingcenter.com.
Noon Year’s Eve at Renault
Renault Winery’s Vinter Wonderland continues with a magical afternoon of ice skating and sparkling cider. This free event invites you to ice skate under the open sky, cuddle up in an igloo or next to a fire pit, and raise your glasses during an unforgettable celebration with the whole family. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a celebratory toast at noon. Festive food trucks can be enjoyed all afternoon. Learn more and reserve your spot at renaultwinery.com/events.
Family Night In
You can never go wrong with a DIY family night in. Sparkling cider, some simple decorations, and a few noisemakers are all you need to create a memory the kids won’t forget. This is a great opportunity to set intentions together as a family for the year. Goal setting and vision boards aren’t just for grown-ups. Spend some time asking your kids what they’d love to see happen in 2024, and work together to create family goals.
Whether you celebrate at noon, midnight, or at a random time throughout the evening, a family New Year’s Eve celebration is what you make it. Start new traditions, make all your favorite foods, or pull out the karaoke machine for a night the kids may write about twenty-four years from now.
Check out the book, “One Word” by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page for a short and encouraging read I love incorporating into nights like this and every new year.
This year, I will be curled up with my kids and a couple of friends, bringing in 2024 quietly and surrounded by love.
However you choose to celebrate, stay safe, and enjoy your loved ones! It might not be Y2K but always remember that tomorrow isn’t promised, so party like it’s 1999 today.
Happy New Year, Shore Local! See you in 2024!
Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@gmail.com
