2010 brings in not only a new year, but a new decade. The heralding of both can carry a sense of optimism as well as obligation to fulfill those resolutions we find ourselves making as the past year comes to an end.

As a new parent, the part of me that in 2006 would have stayed out at the bar until 3AM is so different from the part of me that coddles my son in the middle of the night when he's teething and wakes early every morning to ensure that he has a consistent routine. The turning of a new year is a great time to contemplate the past, present, and future and I'm finding that I'm constantly taking on new roles as a mother and becoming a very different person than I was the first decade of this century.

That said, I don't plan on bringing in 2010 with a hangover, but that doesn't mean I, or other new parents out there, can't have a good time while making it to bed before sunrise!

Here are some ideas for celebrating the New Year in Rye if you're a new (or seasoned) parent:

1. Host a get together.

What better way to bring in the New Year than with some food, drinks, and friends? While the kids are sound asleep, you can have a few drinks and watch the ball drop in Times Square without having to worry about who's going to drive home, since you're already there!

It's easy enough – stock up on liquor, mixes, and beer before the stores close on New Year's Eve. If you're a busy host or hostess, why not pick up a couple of trays from a local catering company instead of stuffing mushrooms and baking those mini spinach quiches yourself? Check out Rye's Cornerstone Caterers for private catering options as well as personalized food trays.

1. Offer to babysit for gallivanting friends.

If you're planning on bringing in the New Year at home, why not offer to babysit for your friends who are venturing into Manhattan? You can still enjoy yourself (see #1 above) and maybe your friends will return the favor when you want to get out for a romantic candlelight evening with your beau!

1. Find your own babysitter and have a night out on the town.

If staying home isn't an exciting enough way to bring in the new decade, yet you want to get up with the kids on New Year's Day, celebrate the end of 2009 at a local restaurant. Rye's Aurora Ristorante is celebrating New Year's Eve with an open party and dinner specials.

May 2010 bring you and your family good luck, health, and happiness!