It's the end of an era -- or at least a year. The biggest party night is upon you, but celebrating just isn't the same now that you're a parent. In fact, the only ball you're going to see dropping is your head on the pillow. {relatedarticles}Before you go chalking New Year's Eve up to just another night, check out these tried-and-true tips for making it a happy new year with your children. If you're not up for painting the town red and being subjected to the dangers of "amateur night," understand that you can throw your very own party... and the guests of honor will be your children. To get into party mode, hang streamers around the house. Fill empty coffee cans with pennies, popcorn kernels or even rocks. These will be your homemade noise makers. Cover with construction paper, glitter and other decorations to create a festive look. Of course, there's no such thing as a New Year's Eve gala without a beverage. Prepare a virgin punch with ginger ale and your favorite sherbet or make your very own Shirley Temples using Sprite and cherry juice.

If you plan on letting your kids stay up until midnight, account for the later bedtime by encouraging your children to take a nice, long nap. Word to the wise - let them sleep in the following morning as well. {relatedarticles}If you're in Central, Mountain or Pacific time zones, celebrate midnight on Eastern time which will at least get the kids in bed at a more reasonable hour. Think you won't be able to make it until midnight? Ring in the new year with a special breakfast or brunch. Countdown until noon, and when the clock strikes 12, set off your fireworks, rattle your noisemakers and throw your streamers in the air. Follow these tips and you'll be ringing in a New Year's to remember.