For the parents who will not be hiring babysitters and going out on the town, here are some great ideas on how to party your way into the New Year with the kids! As we all know, kids love parties and staying up late. Because we do not like dealing with crabby, tired kids, we do not often allow this to happen. However, there's no better time to make an exception than on New Year's Eve.

Your party can be as formal or informal as you would like. Ask the kids what they would most like to do and go with it. Whether they choose pizza in full party dress or popcorn in pajamas, your party will be a hit! Involve the kids in all the plans and let them lead the way. Not only will they feel important, they just might surprise you with their creativity.

For a formal affair, get out the good china, fancy glasses and candles. Everyone can dress up for dinner and dance the night away to music—just like grown-ups everywhere. Stock up on the top hats and tiaras from the party store and your guests will look top notch! Buy sparkling grape juice for the midnight toast and have everyone “clink” their glasses. A camera on-hand for the first picture of 2007 would be a great touch as well!

If a pajama party is more your speed, pull out the fuzzy slippers, videos and comfort foods. Have the kids bring their favorite stuffed animals and everyone can curl up on the floor playing board games and watching movies until the big moment! Again, a midnight toast and picture are a great way to end the evening! Here's a site with more ideas on what to do during your New Year’s Eve Sleepover.

For those on the west coast, you have an advantage. You can watch the ball drop in New York City at 9 PM and call it an early evening. This is especially helpful if your kids are younger. But, regardless of your location, you can always set the clock to celebrate at any time. It is the time spent together and the fun you have that matters most.

There are unlimited theme possibilities. Whatever you choose to do will, no doubt, be a hit with the kids. And if you let some of their friends come over, freeing up their parents so they can go out for the evening, you will be a hit with more than just the kids. Maybe they will be willing to return the favor for you next year!

If you are interested in other great ideas, here are two more sites we suggest New Year's Eve Party Ideas For Kids and New Year's Fun And Games.

We hope that whatever you do, you will have a wonderful night and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~Julie is a wife and a mother who looks forward to having her own party at home with her boys and husband on New Year’s Eve.