Surviving New Year’s Eve with Toddlers: A Gay Dad’s Guide to Welcoming 2025

New Year’s Eve is often portrayed as a glamorous night of champagne, countdowns, and confetti. But when you’re a parent—specifically, a gay dad raising a toddler—it’s more about hoping you’ll be awake long enough to see the ball drop. Welcome to the ultimate guide for surviving New Year’s Eve with toddlers, where bedtime reigns supreme and resolutions include actually finishing a cup of coffee while it’s still hot.

This year, my husband and I are determined to embrace the chaos, make it fun for our little one, and set the tone for an amazing 2025. Here’s how we plan to celebrate, reflect, and resolve—all while keeping our toddler entertained and (hopefully) tantrum-free.

Embracing the Change of Pace

Pre-toddler New Year’s Eve was… different. Picture us at fabulous parties or cozy dinners with friends, toasting to new beginnings and indulging in late-night conversations. Fast forward to parenthood, and our celebrations now include early bedtimes, sippy cups, and the soundtrack of “Baby Shark” on repeat. Seriously. It doesn't help that we always change the words "mommy shark" to "daddy shark."

It’s a change of pace, for sure, but it’s also a chance to create new traditions—ones that center around family and joy. Instead of mourning the loss of our old way of celebrating, we’re leaning into the magic of this season of life. And honestly? Watching our toddler try to blow a noisemaker for the first time is way more entertaining than any fancy party could ever be.

Planning a Toddler-Friendly New Year’s Eve

The key to surviving New Year’s Eve with a toddler is to adjust your expectations. Midnight countdown? Probably not happening. But a mini celebration tailored to their schedule? That’s totally doable. Here’s our game plan:

1. Create a Faux Midnight Countdown: Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate? We’ll be doing a countdown at 8 PM, complete with sparkling apple juice cut with water, confetti poppers, a balloon ceiling drop, and a lot of cheering. Our daughter loves the excitement, and we still get to feel festive—even if we’re in pajamas by 9.

2. DIY Party Hats and Crafts: Toddlers love hands-on activities, so we’re breaking out the craft supplies to make party hats and decorate “2025” banners. Bonus: It keeps little hands busy while we prepare snacks.

3. Toddler-Friendly Snacks: Think bite-sized, colorful, and easy to eat. Mini fruit skewers, cheese cubes, and animal-shaped crackers are always a hit in our house. And yes, we’ll have our own grown-up charcuterie board because #selfcare.

4. Dance Party: Nothing burns off toddler energy like a good dance party. We’ve got a playlist ready with everything from kids’ songs to our favorite LGBTQ+ anthems. (Because let’s be honest, no party is complete without some Cher.. millennials, am I right?)

Reflecting on 2024: The Good, the Messy, and the Magical

New Year’s is also a time for reflection, and as gay dads, we’ve had our share of highs and lows this year. From the joy of watching our daughter hit milestones to the not-so-glamorous moments (like cleaning spaghetti off the ceiling), parenting has been a wild ride. Plus, we started Pride & Parenting Apparel!

We’ve learned a lot, though. This year, we embraced imperfection. We laughed more, worried less, and leaned on each other when things got tough. And as 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud of the family we’re building—yellow @Hunter rain boots, tantrums, and all.

Setting Resolutions for 2025

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. In the past, ours might have included lofty goals like hitting the gym five times a week or mastering a new language. Now? They’re a little more grounded—and a lot more focused on self-care.

Here are a few of our family’s resolutions for 2025:

1. Prioritize Self-Care: As parents, it’s easy to put ourselves last. This year, we’re resolving to carve out time for things that recharge us. Whether it’s a solo coffee run, a date night, or just 10 minutes to read a book, self-care is non-negotiable.

2. Be Present: It’s so tempting to scroll through emails or plan tomorrow’s to-do list while our daughter plays. In 2025, we’re committing to being fully present during family time—even if it means stepping on Legos occasionally.

3. Celebrate the Small Wins: Parenting is full of little victories, and we want to savor every single one. From successfully getting our daughter to try a new vegetable to surviving a tantrum in public, we’re celebrating it all.

4. Focus on Health: This isn’t about dieting or hitting a certain weight. It’s about feeling good—mentally and physically. We’re aiming for family walks, more veggies on the plate, and finding joy in movement.

5. Build Community: As LGBTQ+ parents, we know how important it is to find our village. This year, we’re resolving to connect more with other queer families—whether through playdates, events, or just cheering each other on via Instagram. We want to hear from you!

Looking Ahead to 2025

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. It’s a blank slate, a chance to dream big and start fresh. And while we know 2025 will bring its share of challenges (hello, potty training), we’re excited for what’s to come.

Our goals for the year aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. We want to be the best versions of ourselves—for our daughter, for each other, and for ourselves. And if we can do that while wearing matching family pajamas and dancing to Britney Spears in the living room? Even better.

A Final Word of Encouragement

To all the parents out there navigating New Year’s Eve with toddlers, you’ve got this.  We've got this!!!! Whether your night involves a picture-perfect celebration or just surviving until bedtime, remember: You’re doing an amazing job. And as we step into 2025, let’s resolve to give ourselves grace, celebrate our families, and keep finding joy in the little moments.

Here’s to a year filled with love, laughter, and maybe—just maybe—a toddler who sleeps past 6 AM.

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Need inspiration for New Year’s resolutions or family-friendly holiday traditions? Check out the Pride & Parenting shop for fun, inclusive designs that celebrate every kind of family.