'I was always scared of spending New Year's Eve alone. Now it's my favourite thing.'

New Year's Eve. It can be a dream come true or a total nightmare.

I've had just as many joyous and starry-eyed evenings out watching the fireworks as I've had nights spent sardined in an overwhelming crowd, wishing I was anywhere else.

The night comes with the weight of endless expectations on its sparkly shoulders. It should be fun and enchanting, a few twists and turns wouldn't hurt, there should be the right balance of endless champagne but zero rogue drunkeness, and there should be some glorious new feeling of jubilation when the clock strikes midnight. But… there rarely is. That kind of magic mostly exists in movies.

And you can go out and try to capture that indescribable feeling of a perfect New Year's Eve. Or you can have the perfect night in, going it alone.

I used to find the concept of a solo New Year's Eve daunting, but now I know it's actually the supreme option.

I first spent New Year's Eve alone in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. What started as a night of necessity became a routine occurrence, which I looked forward to each holiday season.

I've since spent every New Year's Eve solo, and I'd like to think I've perfected the art of making it special.

Whether you're spending December 31 alone because you're keen for some 'me time' or you simply don't have any plans, there are a number of ways to make the evening magical in its own way. Let's get into it.

Cheers to 2025! Image: Instagram/@haileybieber

Commit to the bit.

Before you even begin your solo New Year's Eve journey, you need to decide you're really doing it. Don't do it and then spend all of your time feeling guilty about the fact you didn't go out, or feeling sorry for yourself. You're here, you're alone, and you can make it one hell of a vibe. Speaking of…

Set the vibe.

Are we dressing cosy or fancy? Are we cooking a meal? Are we ordering in? What's the snack selection looking like? Should we make a signature cocktail? Are you going to do a craft? Plan your perfect solo New Year's Eve celebration in the morning, so you're not left feeling overwhelmed by choices as nighttime rolls around. A lesson 2022 me needed to learn the hard way.

In case you wanted to know, my personal "schedule" goes along the lines of afternoon cocktail + snack plate, into movie + champagne, into movie + takeaway dinner + champagne, into movie + peppermint tea (or red wine).

Set your NYE plans in the morning and then, for the love of god, leave the house for a little bit.

Me if I had a closet full of vintage. Image: Crazy Rich Asians.

Get out for some fresh air.

Whatever you do, do not spend the entire day inside. Again, 2022 me made some ERRORS in this regard and I speak from a place of knowledge. When you know better, you do better… or whatever that saying is.

You absolutely need to go feel the sun shine on your skin and stretch your legs before spending the night alone. Otherwise, you will feel entirely unpleasant before the day is done.

But if you're not in the mood for a full workout today of all days, you can simply walk to pick up some groceries, or an iced latte, but the fresh air and a light stroll will rejuvenate you for a night of indoor activities.

One of the best options for forcing yourself outdoors is to make a little date with a friend or family member, to catch up for a stroll or a cheeky cocktail in the daytime, before you head home. If you live far away from loved ones, schedule some face-time calls for your walk. We all need a little connection!

Change your sheets. And vacuum. And wash your hair.

Okay, maybe this is just me? But some fresh bedding can solve all my problems, and it takes like no time at all to change your sheets and start the New Year fresh.

Ditto for a nice shower and clean hair. Now, this task is not for the gals about town who can wash their hair once a week. Blessings to you, I'm jealous. But for everyone else, hop to it!

And if you're feeling up to it, give the living room a very quick tidy and vacuum so you feel like you're spending NYE in a nice, clean environment.

Is it annoying that I'm giving you some tasks on New Year's Eve? Yeah, sure. But will you thank me for it? Yeah, you will.

Me approximately 20 minutes before the most relaxing NYE of all time. Image: Mrs Doubtfire.

Get ready for your big night.

As discussed above and because you're a great rule follower, I know you'll have picked your fit in the morning.

If you're feeling fancy, pop on your favourite and most exciting outfit. For me, this is a colourful striped matching set that my mother would mistake for pyjamas but I know to be chic. Or something glittery. Or maybe a big T-shirt is the epitome of the ultimate NYE outfit for you. Whatever floats your boat!

I personally believe in skipping the makeup part, because the last thing I feel like doing is a skincare routine come midnight. But if makeup is your key to feeling fabulous, then go all out with your best look.

Light the good candle.

This is a theory Mamamia's Executive Editor Leigh Campbell has long championed, and it bears repeating on the most dramatic night of the calendar year.

The 'light the good candle' theory can apply to almost anything, but it especially applies to lighting the good candle in a very real way on New Year's Eve. Make yourself feel special with your bougiest candle, your best bath bomb, your nice face mask, your fanciest bottle of champagne, your favourite dish from your favourite restaurant.

If ever there was a time to crack out that special something, it's when you're having a glorious bit of me-time on New Year's Eve.

Me at midnight. Image: Suddenly 30.

Stop doomscrolling.

One thing that's not going to help you have a relaxing and enjoyable night is spending hours scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. Once you pop, you can't stop, so as soon as you sit down throw your phone into the other room.

You have the rest of the year to look at silly content. Tonight? Turn. It. Off.

Make your 'ins' and 'outs' list.

If you haven't heard of an 'ins' and 'outs' list it's pretty self-explanatory, does what it says on the tin!

Make a note of everything that you're leaving behind in 2024, and everything you're bringing into the New Year. It's kind of like resolutions, but more about reflecting on where you're at and where you want to be. Could be work-related, it could be a sport you're looking to take up, maybe you're keen to stop saying "just" in emails.

For example: eating shredded cheese from the packet for dinner is out, but cooking meals like an adult is in. I've got big goals.

Create a 2025 vision board. No, really.

Take things a step further with your vision board; which can be physical or digital.

If it's physical, be sure to stock up on some magazines and a big poster board for collaging your dreams. If it's digital, I'd recommend Pinterest or Shuffles for creating your own online manifestation space.

Watch the very best movies and TV shows.

One thing about me, I watch too much content. But that's great news in this circumstance, because I can offer you guidance to the best films and shows to watch on New Year's Eve.

My go-to selection includes Knives Out, While You Were Sleeping, About Time, Little Women and the slightly less obvious Meg Ryan classic, You've Got Mail.

But if that's not your thing, here are a few more iconic films (and series) for your night in…

• When Harry Met Sally (Prime Video)

• New Year's Eve (Apple TV and Prime Video)

• About Time (Binge and Foxtel Go)

• Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

• Sex and the City (Binge and Foxtel Go)

• While You Were Sleeping (Disney Plus)

• The Last Holiday (Netflix)

• It's A Wonderful Life (Stan)

• Bridgerton (Netflix)

• Bridget Jones's Diary (Stan, Paramount Plus, Binge and Prime Video)

• High School Musical (Disney Plus)

• Carol (ABC iView and Prime Video)

• Ocean's Eleven (Stan and Prime Video)

• About A Boy (Apple TV and Prime Video)

Watch the trailer for While You Were Sleeping. Story continues below.

Turn on the fireworks for midnight.

Every year, I play 'Auld Lang Syne' on Spotify and watch the fireworks (which are playing on ABC).

I cannot stress enough just how glorious and calming I find this moment. It feels like the exclamation point on the year that was. The fireworks gently come to a close, and that's your key to move all the way from the couch to your fresh, clean sheets in bed.

Happy New Year diva! You've just had the perfect night in.

Feature Image: Bridget Jones's Diary / Universal Pictures.