As the countdown begins, you see everyone pull their loved ones just a little closer preparing to ring in their New Year with that special kiss. The excitement grows, you’re on the edge of your seat, well, bed actually. Instead of that special someone to pull close, you’re pulling that pint of Ben and Jerry’s closer with one hand and your cat with the other.

Every year, we have this false perception that the New Year is a continuation of the holiday festivities. Another great night to go in our book of unforgettable memories when in reality, that’s not exactly how it goes. This false hope for an exciting and extravagant night can ultimately leave us cat-cuddlers feeling very out of the loop.

Wait, before you get caught up in the image of a sad cat lady in her sweatpants with a tub of ice cream every New Year; from personal experience and opinion, the more traditional festivities aren’t exactly much better.

Usually New Year’s Eve is a night that younger people (under 21) can’t truly enjoy. I know that the times I actually spent outside of the comfort of my room, I would mostly end up watching all the adults in the family having a great time with each other. Meanwhile all of us kids were usually just instructed to watch a movie and run out to receive hugs in celebration of the new year.

The year I spent downtown for New Year’s Eve was probably one of the worst nights of my life. I was freezing, the bathrooms were atrocious, people were stumbling around not to mention the trails they’d leave behind them. It just wasn’t at all what I expected it to be. From my bed it seemed fun and exciting but in reality, it was boring and cold.

Honestly, you don’t need parties or champagne to make ringing in the new year a good, bad or even lonely night. If you surround yourself with good company that you not only love, but truly enjoy; you’ll never have a crappy holiday again. Invite your best friend over and share that tub of ice cream. New Year’s isn’t about getting intoxicated or watching the ball drop, it’s about new beginnings.

I have come to realize I would much rather stay in and have a serene night with someone I care about than go out and do what everyone else thinks is tradition and acceptable to do.

So, this New Year’s Eve you can definitely plan on finding me in bed, snuggled up with a special someone (Ben and Jerry’s ice cream) and I wouldn’t have it any other way.