Is spending New Year's Eve in slippers really that bad?

My boyfriend and I have been carrying on a playful feud for a while now. He’s a big fan of Christmas, group dinners, Secret Santa, and toasts. I, on the other hand, have a more contemplative relationship with the holiday season. I feel the weight of time passing and wish I could stop it. Typically, after spending Christmas apart, we reunite for New Year’s Eve to celebrate together. That’s the plan again this year, but I’ve already started feeling the melancholy that builds and builds until it explodes on New Year’s Eve, right as I raise my glass for a toast. I hate reflecting on the past year, but I can’t help myself. How was my year? How will the next one go? What will I gain, and what will I lose? You get the idea. This tendency naturally leads me to avoid big celebrations. The compromise? A dinner at home with friends, plenty of drinks, and a menu that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare and lots of fun to plan together.

Is Spending New Year’s at Home Really That Bad?

Let’s clear up any doubt. Spending New Year’s Eve at home isn’t lame. Quite the opposite. Think about it for a second: you decide what to eat, drink, who to invite, and how to celebrate. Everything is under your control, designed to suit you. Even if you’re invited to a friend’s house, you can choose what to bring, contribute to the menu, gift your favorite wine and dessert, and maybe involve your significant other or situationship to add a pinch of chaos—or go solo. The important thing is to feel comfortable and toast the final countdown with people you love and want in your life for 2025. Everything else is just societal pressure. And honestly, have you seen the crowds at clubs? Taking a deep breath and letting go of FOMO is a great resolution for the year ahead, so why not start now?

What to Wear for a New Year’s at Home

Once you’re comfortable with the idea of a cozy dinner with friends—maybe with a distant sound of a Rai concert on a vintage TV—let’s move on to the practical stuff. What should you wear? Whether you’re hosting or attending, you’ve got options. Red underwear is a must, but the rest is up to you. For a fun party (and some killer photos), go for sequined pajamas, comfy but sparkly outfits, tiaras, feather boas, garlands, and of course, your funniest slippers. Otherwise, opt for something cozy that lets you sit on a couch or play card games for hours while still feeling good about yourself. It might even be the perfect time to pull out an ugly Christmas sweater.

How to Do Your Makeup for a New Year’s at Home

Here, too, you’ve got two paths: all in or minimalist. If you’ve decided on a glamorous look, go wild with glitter mascara, rhinestone freckles, and frosty lips. Prefer something subtle? Go for a comfortable foundation, a nude lipstick, and a brown mascara. Another option? Standout nails. Honestly, who cares about the rest?

What to Bring or Cook for a New Year’s at Home

The options are endless. In general, stick with something you know and consider your signature dish. Don’t let traditions limit you. Who says you can’t have risotto or skip the roast? Be mindful of your guests’ needs and choose something that’s delicious, impressive, yet manageable without a whole team of chefs. Here’s our go-to: a simple cold appetizer (like marinated beets with arugula and goat cheese or a board of regional cured meats and cheeses), an easy first course (usually a green risotto with a cheese sauce), and some kind of roast meat with potatoes. Don’t forget a pot of lentils and sausages simmering for later. Set the mood with soft lighting and candles—this works miracles even in a small apartment. If you’re a guest, it’s even simpler: a giant bowl of Russian salad, an artisanal chocolate panettone, a good bottle of bubbly, and of course, your sparkling personality.

Approaching New Year’s Eve with Ease

The most important advice is simple: New Year’s Eve, Saint Sylvester’s Night—whatever you call it—is just an occasion to celebrate something with the people you care about, to banish anxieties and fears together. It’s not the event of the year; there’s no need to burden it with unrealistic expectations or pin all your hopes on it. Resolutions are great for understanding what we need, but let’s not use them to pressure ourselves. If the duck doesn’t cook right, or we’re not the life of the party, or we didn’t snag a table at the most expensive and chic venue, it’s fine. See you in 2025. Let’s start fresh.