16 Best Things to Do on New Year's Day to Usher in 2023
These creative ideas will help you start the new year right.
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Once the busy holiday season coming to a close, it's tempting to spend New Year's Day horizontal on the couch in your most comfortable pajamas, doing a whole lot of nothing. After a whirlwind month of celebrations with family and friends (not to mention a potentially late New Year's Eve night), doing nothing might be exactly what you think you need.
That being said, New Year's Day also feels like the perfect time to begin new, healthy habits, whether it's stepping outside for fresh air and exercise, writing down those resolutions, picking up a book you've been meaning to read, or going to a grocery store open on New Year's Day to shop for some nutritious meal options. Been meaning to organize your closet? The new year is an ideal time to clean out your bedroom closet, put those linen closet organization ideas to work, and take stock of what's in your kitchen pantry. If you're looking for a calmer way to welcome the new year, go for some "me time" with a long soak in the tub or plan a New Year's movie marathon with the fam. These newly created events might just turn into new year's traditions for years to come.
However you choose to spend January 1, the good news is that it's a new year (yay!) with endless opportunities for new beginnings. Happy new year!
Try Something New
Trying new activities and seeing new places not only make life richer, they can also improve your mood and sense of well-being. Kick off 2023 with something novel that's also easy, like visiting a park in your town you've never been too, trying a new workout, or just listening to new music.
Organize Your Pantry
Start by removing everything, throwing out expired items as you go. Wipe down shelves, and restock items by type and use (for example, put all your baking supplies in one spot for easy access). Don't use that blender much? To the top shelf it goes!
Watch Some Football
Put that big screen TV you bought on Black Friday to good use with a football-filled New Year's Day. Tailgate from the comfort of your own couch with yummy tailgate recipes your whole "team" will love.
Make It a Movie Marathon
Create lasting memories by starting a new family tradition. Throw a family movie night with one (or more!) of the best New Year's movies of all time. Craft cute movie-ticket garland, and use those holiday mugs one last time before packing away your Christmas decorations.
Take a Road Trip
Ah, the open road. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with your other half, getting behind the wheel can be a liberating experience. Map out a route, or just see where the road leads you!
Go for a Hike
Weather permitting, take in some fresh air with a leisurely hike in a scenic spot. If your 2023 resolutions revolve around health, fitness, or self-care, this is the perfect way to kick off the new year.
Reach Out to Say Happy New Year
Resist the urge to text and actually *call* someone to wish them a happy new year. The recipient will appreciate hearing a friendly voice on the line!
Start a New Book
If less screen time is a 2023 goal, curl up with one of our best books of all time or a new bestseller. Invite friends to a virtual book club for a fun way to stay in touch, and let's face it, to hold you accountable!
Cook a Homemade Brunch
These make-ahead egg cups are super simple to whip up and chock-full of brunch favorites: ham, spinach, eggs, and cheese! Round out the menu with other brunch recipes for leisurely grazing all day long.
Order Take-Out
Not in the mood to cook and clean up the kitchen? Order food from one of your favorite restaurants are open on New Year's Day, from fast food joints to family-owned eateries.
Make DIY New Year Crackers
Make your very own holiday crackers (also known as party poppers in the U.S.) with this easy tutorial from Childhood 101. Stuff them with gifts, candy, or trinkets, and share with friends and neighbors. Let the kids get in on the fun by ripping them open in the morning.
Volunteer
Start the year off on the right foot and give back to your community by volunteering. You'll feel good by doing good, whether you decide to clean up a public area like a park or the beach, plant trees, serve meals at a soup kitchen, or anything else that interests you.
Write Down Your Resolutions
Take a moment to jot down some resolutions for the new year ahead. Try a "more of this/less of that" approach and add reasons to help yourself see them through. You can also begin a gratitude journal—research says taking just a few minutes each day to be mindful of what you have to be thankful for improves well-being.
Indulge in Some "Me Time"
Wash away the old year, and rest up for what's ahead with a long soak in the tub with bath salts.
Clean Out Your Closet
Give yourself a fresh—and tidy—start by taking some time to spruce up your closet. Create a giveaway pile to drop off at your local donation spot. Hang items on matching hangers and by color for a super-organized and satisfying arrangement.
Make a Toast
Whether it's a moment of reflection among family and close friends, or a sweet handwritten card you're sending to a loved one, take time to say thank you and count your many blessings. Cheers!
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