My very special DIY party bags will keep my kids entertained for every hour of New Year’s Eve

It’s hard to enjoy New Year’s Eve when you have two small children running around. But, I have a creative way to keep them distracted until midnight.

By the way, if you want the kids to go to bed well before the new year begins, Netflix has a brilliant solution.

RELATED: Happy holidays! Tyson and I wish you nothing but the best for 2018

If the kids are slightly older, know all of your usual tricks, and want to be part of the fun, here’s what you can do.

You will need:

• Paper lunch bags
• Markers
• Paper plates
• Rice
• Stapler
• Other things you know your kids will love

I created one bag for every hour, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The times written on the bags indicate when they should be opened. Each bag is filled with a kid-friendly activity. I chose:

• 8 p.m.: DIY s’mores kit (graham crackers, chocolate bar, marshmallows)
• 9 p.m.: Deck of cards
• 10 p.m.: Nothing (this is when the kids play hide and seek)
• 11 p.m.: All the aforementioned items — make some shakers!
• 12 a.m.: Sparkling cider and cups

Of course, you don’t have to do exactly what I do. Find something your kids will love. Get creative!

Tyson and I hope you and your family have a safe and fun New Year’s Eve, and a healthy and joyful 2018!

More family fun

• Yoga poses that kids can do
• DIY bath paints for a rainy day
• How to make huge bubbles
• An ordinary kitchen cabinet becomes a kid-friendly disco
• Bubble wrap abstract art

Watch new videos from Elissa the Mom every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!