New Years Eve Do’s and Dont’s

New Years Eve is nigh and if you follow these tips you will have a safe and happy celebration!

1. If you are invited to a party, DO bring a date. It doesn’t have to be a real date if you are not currently involved with someone. Bring a friend, a relative or a office mate to celebrate the dawn of the New Year with you. However, don’t assume that the evening has to end with a kiss at midnight. If your escort is not somebody you know well or is a relative, a quick congratulatory hug will do!
2. This is the last night of the year and one where people typically feel comfortable letting their hair down. DO go out and have fun. Catch a live band. Join other people for street parties downtown. Make reservations at a restaurant that you normally would not go to because it is too fancy, too expensive…. the list goes on.  But be sure to eat something substantial if you are going to be drinking. Do plan on exercising patience and good will though. Remember that there will be a lot of people celebrating around you and lines for food, drinks and bathrooms will be long. Look around you while you are waiting and enjoy the revelers swirling around you. DON’T pitch a fit if you have to wait for a seat in a crowded restaurant or bar. DON’T constantly check your watch or sigh loudly. Even though you think you won’t be noticed in such a loud and lively crowd, you will! People do notice when you are being obnoxious. And they will do everything they can to avoid you and tend to the people who are being kind to them. It is just human nature.
3. DO tip your waiter and/or bartender. They are working hard on this night!
4. Before finalizing your New Years Eve plans, DO make sure that you have a way to get around and get back home without driving while under the influence. Find a friend who is willing to be the designated driver or check with your local cab company to see if they are offering free rides for inebriated revelers. Whatever you do, DON’T get behind the wheel if you are even just a little buzzed.
5. DO make sure you have some hidden cash on you for emergencies and that your cell phone is fully charged.
6. DO stick together during this fast-paced, crazy evening. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night; so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment, especially for women, is imperative.
7. DO drink sensibly if you are drinking.
8. DO have a happy and healthy New Years celebration!