SIX NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST 2017 WEEKEND

light up with a smile you never thought would be possible with just some nibbles.

PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC: With George Michael, Prince and David Bowie gone in the same year, there is a lot of nostalgia in the air, musically speaking. Play their hit songs, like ‘Last Christmas’, ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Wake me up’, before you go, go! Get someone from your neighbourhood who strums the guitar and who can sing. Invite people over who will enjoy live music. Serve some Goanese port wine and fruit cake if you want to create the ambience of a musical night.

VISIT AN ART GALLERY/ HANDICRAFTS FAIR: This is the season where everybody loves to go out and soak in the sunshine and there’s plenty of art and handicrafts on display in your city. Apart from shows by eminent artists, art galleries organise their annual shows at this time of the year. Spend the last day of the year seeing some striking paintings and maybe, picking up some art for home?

ORGANISE A SPORTS DO FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: This is one section of society we take for granted – almost always. So why not organise a sports event for them and watch them glow with excitement? They would love musical chairs, limited-over cricket matches, crossword puzzles, chess and ludo. Pool in money for buying them gifts like they could use during the wintry season. Books would also make for great gifts for those who have retired from work but are addicted to reading.

ATTEND A MARATHON: Even if you have partied hard on December 31, don’t fret. Just join a friendly marathon that will burn all those extra calories you drank up in the Christmas week. Running is becoming a rage all over India as it is abroad. Run along with a group of friends who share common interests or an office group, you already bond with. You can follow it up with a healthy breakfast at a coffee shop where you can discuss the headlines of the first news of the new year!