How To Have An Amazing New Year’s Day Without Spending Any Money
It has been a year, but congratulations, friends. You’ve made it to the final stretch of 2023—and that's worth a celebration.
The holidays can be as hectic as they are festive, so it’s possible you feel like you’re limping across the finish line right now. For good reason! December is a beautiful month, filled with revelry and time with loved ones, but all those plans can leave a person wanting to melt into the couch. With all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, and more that goes into this season, making it through is truly no small feat.
Your reward for passing "Go" on another 365 days life? There is a whole new year ready to seize and celebrate. Whether 2023 was the best year of your life, the worst, or somewhere in the middle, 2024 is a fresh page in the story of your life. Why not kick it off on a fun note with some unique New Year’s Day plans? If the idea of planning yet another shindig is daunting, don’t worry. Women’s Health has taken the work out of the equation for you.
Here are 23 ways to spend the new year, including some that you can do the comfort of your own couch:
Go for a hike.
Is spending more time outside one of your New Year’s resolutions? Start the year off on the right foot (literally) as you explore the great outdoors! Even a short hike is a great way to embrace new routines and get back into nature in 2024.
Try something new.
New year, new you! Dive into a new hobby headfirst by getting started on day one. Always dreamed of becoming a ceramics pro? Well, sign up for a class and make 2024 your Pottery Girl Era.
Journal about your resolutions.
What are your priorities in 2024? Take a few minutes to jot them down in your journal. Research shows that when you write down your goals and dreams, you're more likely to put those plans into motion. So bust out the candles and your favorite pen, and give it a go!
Make a vision board.
Round up your old magazines, because it’s time to make a vision board! Invite some friends over if you want, and make a collage filled with everything you'd like to see in the new year. Hang that baby on your wall, and just wait for the manifestation magic to begin.
Have an at-home spa day.
While the local spas may be closed, nothing is stopping you from having a full day of pampering right at home. Order your favorite hair mask, perhaps find a little face mask, too, and you’re in business!
Clean your home.
You know that feeling: when the floors have been mopped and vacuumed, and everything is in its right place. New home feeling, if you will. Why not use the day off to get some work done around the house and kick off 2024 with a fresh living space? You’ll be happy you did!
Go for a walk.
Something as simple as a walk through your neighborhood can really help shift your perspective on things. Go for a stroll alone or with your bestie, and take the time to appreciate all the little things you love about where you live. Your favorite coffee shop, walking path, or garden are all things to celebrate in 2024!
Reorganize your closet.
If the New Year’s Day sales are calling your name, perhaps it’s time to make some room for all your new investments. Take time to clean out your closet so you can start 2024 off more stylish than ever. (You can let go of your favorite “going out top” from 2012. It's okay!)
Go for a run.
Run into 2024, literally! There are many races to celebrate New Year’s Day, so why not sign up for one? Or, if that's not your thing, just put on your favorite pump-up playlist and go for a jog around your neighborhood. Start the year happy, healthy, and a little sweaty.
Have your own mini wellness retreat.
Investing in your mental and physical well-being doesn’t have to break the bank. Carve out a day filled with all of your favorite wellness activities. Perhaps you start the day with meditation, and then move into a yoga practice and journaling. You can take an excursion to your local gym or park for a mindful walk, or really do anything that makes you feel good and centered. Bonus points if you draw up an agenda.
Go to brunch.
You've made it to 2024. Why not celebrate with some champagne for breakfast? Grab the girls, and book a table for brunch where the coffee and conversation will flow. Or, make your own meal at home, where the mimosas are always bottomless!
Have a movie marathon.
Pop the popcorn and throw on your coziest PJs because it’s time for a movie marathon! Pick a franchise or a list of movies you always mean to watch but never do, and press play. Enjoy a restorative day filled with good movies, comfy clothes, and snacks!
Cook dinner.
Chances are, you have a whole Pinterest board or Instagram folder filled with recipes you want to try. So, why not pick one for New Year’s Day? You check something off your “to-do” list and get to eat delicious food. A win-win.
Volunteer.
If you're reflecting on 2023 and notice an absence of philanthropy, start the new year off helping out! Lend a hand at an organization of your choosing, whether it is a local soup kitchen, shelter for unhoused people, or wherever else you can help out in your city.
Call your friends.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to give your old college friend a call, why not try them on New Year’s Day, since most people are off work? With the holidays freshly in the rearview, you’ll have plenty to discuss!
Start a new book.
Start your reading goals early by cracking open a new book on January 1st. Take a look at Goodreads for the top books of the last year, or try something that’s been on your “to-read” list for a while.
Do... nothing.
Let’s face it: December is exhausting. Between the holiday parties, family celebrations, and work get-togethers, it’s hard to find a moment just to chill. This New Year’s Day, forget about the plans and just take a day to yourself and your couch.
Make a New Year's cocktail.
Festive fun doesn’t have to end with New Year’s Eve! Look up a recipe and indulge in a fun cocktail (or mocktail) to kickstart the new year.
Go shopping.
Did someone say sales?! New Year’s Day means prices are low on anything you didn’t already get for the holidays. Treat yourself to a little 2024 present for all that you will accomplish this year.
Play a board game.
Bust out Monopoly, because today is game day! Pick your favorite board games, grab some snacks, and settle in for an epic day of tournaments with your loved ones.
Do a puzzle.
Sometimes, it’s nice to accomplish something early in the new year. So, why not try out a puzzle? Spend the day with some no-screen fun, and hopefully, by January 2, you’ll have something to show for all your hard work!
Write a summary of your last year.
To quote Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So why not take a moment to reflect on all that’s happening for you right now? Future you will cherish this look into the past, and current you might enjoy reflecting on all that’s gone down in 2023.
Have a resolution party.
Odds are, all of your friends have a New Year’s resolution. So, invite your pals over for a day where you can all work towards your individual goals. If one of your friends wants to run a marathon, you can all spend a few minutes looking up the best training plans. Then, everyone can send a recipe for the person looking to dominate meal prepping in 2024! It’s more fun to work together.
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