How are families across the UK beating the winter blues together?

The end of the year is a time to reflect on the past, think about the future and count down to the big moment when the clock strikes midnight.

To get a snapshot of how families approach New Year's Eve, BBC Bitesize Parenting has spoken to parents across the country, looking at the different ways in which they celebrate, if they make resolutions and how they deal with the dark winter days

The New Year passing means we are well into the cold, dark months of winter. Some parents like Kayleigh loved the winter evenings, “I like the cold dark nights. I find them very cosy and like it was when I was a child, home with the fire on and family films in your pjs."

But some find the short, grey days difficult, like Jerome, “I mainly try (as best I can) to stay positive, this may sound very idealistic but it's something that does work for me. I think having or at least attempting to have that positive mindset can only help people, it certainly doesn't do any bad.”

Parents have lots of ways to keep spirits high. Making plans for the future, staying positive and healthy and spending time together as a family were all commonly mentioned.

“I always try to stick to a regular sleep schedule for me and the children,” says Ellen, “We try to get outside during daylight hours and we have a cozy and inviting home.”

Susan says, “I make sure we all get out for some fresh air most days and have something nice planned as a family like going to the cinema or going out for food every two weeks.”

“I have started gaming for an hour or two a few nights a week with my children/sister/husband, ”says Laura, “We have fun and laughs and lots of banter which is great in helping our moods especially as it gets dark so early now.”

1. Spent time together as a family with movie or game nights.
2. Plan regular activities for the family every week, like a trip to the cinema, so there’s always something to look forward to.
3. Make the most of daylight hours with time outdoors on family walks in the fresh air.
4. Eat well and make sure you get enough sleep.
5. Even when times are tough, try and keep a positive outlook.

The most common way families spend New Year’s Eve is to keep it small in the comfort of their homes. With children staying up (if they can!) to bring in the New Year, evenings are centered around family food and fun.

Mark told us that they don’t go out, but, “Allow the kids to stay until midnight if they can last that long so we try and see the new year in together.” And Ellen, “We typically celebrate at home, a cozy night with a meal, games and New Year’s specials on TV. We toast the New Year in at midnight.”

Some families get pretty lively and create a little party for them and their family, like Kayleigh, “I celebrate New Year’s with my children and my sister and her family, we play board games, sing karaoke have lots of food and drinks,” and Laura, “We have party snacks, play games, do a quiz and some karaoke then watch the countdown and fireworks on TV.”

If families do something bigger, they might eat out with friends, like Leander, “Last year we all went for a meal with another family which was great.” Rikki sometimes goes out for a meal but early in the evening as they say that “suits the kids”, before heading home to watch TV.

Natasha turns New Year’s Eve into a mini-holiday, “we normally book a lodge and get some sparklers for my daughter which she loves to do.”

And while lots of families watch fireworks on TV, some do go out to watch them, like Holly, “We have gone to watch fireworks previously”.

The most common place to visit is another family or friend’s home, like Lamar, “We usually have a New Year's gathering with friends and family at my mum's house every year.” And Susan, “we celebrate with two other families each taking turns to host in their house.”

New Year’s is also a time for reflection and goal setting. For many families, resolutions focus on health, wellbeing, and relationships. Parents we heard from focus on the importance of being present with loved ones, improving diets, or saving for family holidays.

“I tend to set myself targets, in terms of finances, health etc.” says Rikki, “But in recent years, our household has played a game of deciding what each other's New Year's resolution should be. The kids enjoy telling us their opinions, but not listening to what we want from them… it's good fun.”

“My New Year's resolution is to improve my physical and mental health,” says Lisa, “I will never be 100% due to health conditions, but I am not in as bad a place as I was previously, so I want to take this opportunity to increase my chance of better recovery.”

Some don’t like to share their resolutions with family, like Lamar, “I tend to keep my New Year’s resolution to myself just in case they don’t happen.”

Resolutions aren’t for everyone, and some families don’t take part in the tradition, with some believing it’s pointless to try as many give up on their goals.

“I tend not to have resolutions as I try my best to maintain good habits and structure throughout the year,” says Jerome, “I feel a lot of people make resolutions just to say they have done so but they don't have any real intention of actually sticking to the resolution long term.”

Alex told us, “We do not have New Year’s resolutions in our family although every year we talk about getting fitter, dieting etc but this happens throughout the year, not just as a New Year resolution.”

Psychologist Sandi Mann ponders - should you encourage your teen to make New Year’s resolutions?