New year at home: 5 ways to celebrate away from Delhi’s pollution

Going out on new year in Delhi is downright a bad idea especially as the notoriously bad air quality has left people protesting against the government to take note and start working towards a solution. 

High AQI levels not only dampen outdoor celebrations but also pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues.

Celebrating at home, instead, can be both safe and enjoyable. Here are five solid ways to ring in the New Year indoors. 

1. Host an intimate indoor gathering

Invite friends and family over for a small get-together to celebrate the start of the new year. Keep windows shut, turn air purifiers on to maintain indoor air quality and create a cozy space with simple decor, soft lighting to talk and reflect over the year that was over a nice home-cooked meal. You can even curate a music playlist to create a festive atmosphere without the chaos of crowded venues.

2. Enjoy a Movie Marathon

A carefully planned movie or web series marathon can make for an engaging New Year’s Eve and offer a welcome break from the daily grind. This can be done solo or with a partner or a small group of friends. Curating a watchlist ranging from classic films to recent releases, setting up a comfortable viewing space, ordering in food and timing the final film to end around midnight can turn the evening into a relaxed yet memorable celebration at home. New year need not always be a noisy affair.

3. Opt for a calm evening of wellness

For those looking to start the New Year on a restful note, a quiet evening centred on wellness can be refreshing. Yoga, meditation, reading or light music can help unwind after a demanding year, offering a peaceful transition into the year ahead.

4. Host a reading marathon

A reading marathon offers a quieter way to welcome the New Year and a rewarding one for those who’ve been looking to step away from screens. Make it more fun by making it a themed gathering and dressing up for it. Setting aside uninterrupted reading time, paired with soft lighting, music and warm beverages, can be more satisfying than imagined. Do exchange excerpts or discuss takeaways at the end of the session.

5. Create vision board for the new year

Creating a vision board is a structured way to reflect on the year gone by and set intentions for the year ahead. Individuals or small groups can use magazines, printouts or digital tools to visually map out personal, financial and professional, and wellness goals. Ending the evening with a completed vision board offers a purposeful and optimistic start to the New Year.