At the stroke of midnight, the skies above us erupt, full of colours. People all around the world gather on the streets, in balconies and homes, dancing with joy, to usher in the New Year—a chance for a fresh start. However, just like everything else, New Year’s is going to look a little different. It might not be the New Year’s celebration we’re used to or were planning for, but it can still be special! The effort is all on us this year to make New Year’s special and Checkout Superstore is here to make your life easier.
Here are a few COVID-19 friendly ideas on how to celebrate 2021:
Fireworks
Fireworks can be a great family activity that will surely lift the spirits. The excitement of seeing the skies fill with explosions of colour will create a festive environment like none other. If you know anything about Checkout Superstore, you know we’re famous for our fireworks! A huge range of barrage packs, cakes, fountains, rockets, selection box, shot tubes, and sparklers—we have it all. Stop by the 2nd floor at Checkout Superstore and shop our grand selection of fireworks stocked all year round.
Decorate
Do not underestimate the power of creating a festive environment in your home. A few balloons, a banner, some party poppers, fancy clothing and of course the matching disposables and tableware, will all play a big role in exciting you for the new year. Head over to the 2nd floor on Checkout Superstore and collect New Year themed party decor for your home.
Prepare a fancy breakfast
Nothing like good food to help set you in the right mood for 2021. Maybe some crepes filled with luscious fresh strawberries from our produce aisle or a delicious French omelette. As they say, “Good food equals good mood”.
Watch a movie
Watch a movie together as a family whilst you wait for the clock to hit midnight. Use this opportunity for some good ole family-bonding.
Take some pictures
Don’t forget to take pictures to remember how you celebrated New Year’s during this unprecedented time we’re all in. It may feel low-spirited this year, but you will want to remember how you spent New Year’s Eve during COVID-19.
Celebrate with a Mocktail
New Year’s is all about the glittery and the bubbly. Kick your drinks up a notch at home by mixing a fabulous mocktail that your kids can easily enjoy as well. Read below for our all-time favourite mocktail recipes, and of course, you’ll easily find everything you need in-store.
Mojito mocktail
Try a refreshing, non-alcoholic mojito cocktail recipe that skips the usual rum to create a booze-free blend for parties
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sugar
- small bunch mint
- 3 limes, juiced
- soda water
Method
STEP 1
Muddle the sugar with leaves from the mint using a pestle and mortar (or use a small bowl and the end of a rolling pin).
STEP 2
Put a handful of crushed ice into 2 tall glasses. Divide the lime juice between the glasses with the mint mix. Add a straw and top up with soda water.
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1 lb. ground beef chuck (20% fat)
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Kosher salt
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1 onion, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste
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1 14-oz. can whole tomatoes, drained, crushed by hand
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¼ cup pickled banana peppers or peperoncini, chopped
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1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
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1 lb. ridged tube pasta (preferably cavatappi)
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8 oz. sharp (but not aged) cheddar, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
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3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ¾ cup), plus more for serving
Virgin piña colada
For an alcohol-free party option, try our spiced piña colada mocktail (or virgin piña colada), with mock rum syrup, pineapple juice and coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 150ml pineapple juice
- 50ml coconut milk
- 25ml lime juice
- ice
- cherry, to garnish
For the mock rum syrup
- 100g dark brown muscovado sugar
- 1 pineapple, a few strips of skin, plus leaves to garnish
- 5 black peppercorns
- 5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Method
STEP 1
To make a mock rum syrup, put the dark brown muscovado sugar and 200ml water in a saucepan, stir well and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add a few strips of skin from the pineapple, add the black peppercorns, cloves and a cinnamon stick, then bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and leave to infuse until cold. Strain into a jug and set aside in the fridge until needed. Will keep for up to three days.
STEP 2
Pour the pineapple juice into a tall glass and add the coconut milk and lime juice. Stir gently. Fill up the glass with a handful ice then slowly add 25ml of the syrup so it sinks to the bottom. Garnish with pineapple leaves and a tinned cherry.
We know 2020 has been tough. But remember to be safe with this New Year’s Eve.
From Checkout Superstore, we wish you a Happy New Years! Let 2021 be everything you hoped for!
Did you try the mocktail recipes above? How did they turn out? What are your plans for New Years? Let us know in the comments down below.