Age group(s) for this celebration activity:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Description of this celebration activity:
Say goodbye to something old and make a wish for something new -- hold the balloon over your head, stick a pin in your balloon, and POP! -- a shower of confetti and a fortune!

Setting up and preparing for this celebration activity:
You'll need:

- 1 balloon per person (make a couple extras, just in case!)
- a fortune written on tightly rolled paper (something like, "You will start a new fad in the new year")
- confetti, either store-bought or made from colored paper with a hole punch -- or both
- a pin, for popping!

Slip about a tablespoonful of confetti into each unblown-up balloon (a funnel can be useful). Add the rolled-up fortune. Blow up the balloon and tie. Decorate the balloon as desired.

Other suggestions or comments:
The confetti vacuums up pretty easily, although there are always stray bits found much later! Remember to collect and throw away those popped balloon parts so pets or babies don't eat them! We've enjoyed this activity on several New Year's Eves, popping the balloons one at a time (youngest to oldest) just after the stroke of midnight. It's funny to hear what everyone has to say and wish for, and the popping part is always strangely suspenseful!