New Year’s Day can set the tone for the next 365 days…so make it a good one for your international homestay student. While some shops and stores may be closed on January 1, you can still do many fun activities together. Keep reading to get inspirational ideas for spending New Year’s Day with your homestay student.
Up early? Watch the first sunrise.
If you forgo the New Year’s Eve activities, consider getting up early (or just staying up all night) to watch the first sunrise of 2025! If you’re lucky to have January 1 as a clear sky day, that first sunrise will be very Instagram-worthy.
Polar bear swims
Take the plunge (literally)! Many communities host a polar bear plunge at a local beach. Everyone runs into the icy cold water at the same time for a quick plunge. In Vancouver, for example, the official polar bear swim was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius in 2023, and over 6,000 people registered to take the plunge!
Check for official polar bear swims in your community, or head to your local, safe water hole for the first icy dip of the year. Have the warm hot chocolate and mini marshmallows ready to warm up after!
“Try something new” day
If you and your homestay student created New Year’s goals, chances are you have something new on your bucket list for 2025. Why not take the first day of the year for each family member to cross one item off their bucket list?
Each member of your family can take turns crossing something off their bucket list, and the whole family can do it together. Maybe there is something “new” to do, like:
- Trying a new food or recipe
- Visiting a new place
- Trying a new activity or sport
Checking off these bucket list items gives everyone a head start on their 2025 goals and creates fantastic family memories.
Volunteering
Many organizations in your community are looking for volunteers, especially at this time of year. Pick one near to your student’s heart and volunteer with that organization for the day. You may enjoy it so much that you make it a regular part of your calendar and return to volunteer often.
Sleep in (or PJ Day)
If you’re tired from staying up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, why not take it easy on January 1 and sleep in? If you must get up, make it a family PJ and relax day. Consider having a movie marathon day and reheating some fun finger foods as snacks.
Go to the movies
Many movie theatres are open on New Year’s Day, making it a great family outing if it’s too cold outside. Quite a few new movies are coming to theatres in December, such as the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie, Mufasa, Nosferatu, and more. Check your local theatre for listings and showtimes.
Call family and friends
January 1 is a great day to encourage your student to call home. They’re likely eager to tell their family all about their holidays with you.
It’s also an excellent time to call your friends and family! Call or schedule video chats with your extended family and friends from out of town.
Host a brunch
Consider hosting a potluck brunch with family and friends (and your student’s friends, too). Everyone can contribute something to the affair. It might be fun to make it a PJ party, too, so people don’t feel obliged to dress up the day after New Year’s Eve.
To ease the burden on your morning, consider what brunch foods you can prepare in advance. They just need to be cooked or reheated. Here are 78 make-ahead brunch ideas for you to try.
Be outdoorsy
Unless it’s a blizzard, look for an outdoor activity you can do as a family. There may be an outdoor skating rink near you, or you could go tobogganing at the local ski hill or park. You could also bundle up and go for a brisk walk on a nearby trail or at a local park.
Watch a parade
New Year’s Day is host to many parades to celebrate the new year. If you have one in your community, visiting it with your international homestay student would be fun. If not, many broadcast on TV or through live streams on YouTube. You may enjoy watching the Pasadena Tournament of Roses game and parade on TV.
Eat a “Good Luck” dish
Some cultures believe that eating certain lucky foods will bring you good fortune. Ask your student if there are any good luck recipes in their culture they’d like to have on New Year’s Day. If not, here’s a list from Good Housekeeping on common good luck foods to make on January 1.
Family game day
Did anyone in your family get a new board game for the holidays? Make January 1 a family game day. Play group games or organize a round-robin tournament of your favourite games.
“Me time” for all
After the busy holiday season, you and your international student may be emotionally and physically drained. Doing yet another family activity may just be too much right now.
Consider setting aside part of all of your New Year’s Day for individual “me time” for each family member to do an activity that brings them joy. They may want to use a Christmas gift or toy, binge their favourite series, have a mini-spa day at home, or declutter and tidy to start the new year clean.
Is “becoming a homestay host” one of your 2025 resolutions?
If you’re not already a host for an international student, maybe 2025 is your year to start. We’re looking for hosts in your area who are excited about hosting an eager international student and showing them around your great community.
You can celebrate the holidays with an international student in your home next year. If you’re interested in learning more about hosting, contact us for more details or to get started.
