If you think staying up for the 'Late, Late Toy Show' was tough, try keeping them up until midnight on New Year’s Eve!

On second thoughts, why not make life easier for yourself and have a fake New Year’s Eve celebration at midday instead! Here’s how:

From the minute they wake up on New Year’s Eve, the countdown is on; let the preparations commence! First things first, there’s decorations to be made. A big "Happy New Year" banner should keep them busy for an hour or so and once they’ve finished that it’s time to make some multicoloured paper chains. Assure them that the longer they are, the better, and you might have time to make yourself a cup of tea!

If you ask me, Alexa can be a bit annoying at times, especially when she refuses to understand the name of your favourite song. However, when you need a quick compilation, she’s in her element. Ask her to play some New Year’s Eve party tunes and you’ll be bopping around faster than you can say Big Ben!

The minute they tell you they’re bored, ask them to come up with some New Year’s resolutions. It doesn’t matter what they are (but promising to put their dirty clothes in the washing basket would be a good one) as long as they think them up, write them down and help the little ones with theirs. Maybe a prize for the most creative one will keep them motivated!

As midday approaches, it’s time to pick out some party clothes. They might go for fancy-dress or prefer something snazzy; the fun part is putting on something special. Once they’re dressed, it’s time for some pics and if you’ve purchased them beforehand you could even put on some wacky New Year’s Eve themed props. Who needs an Instagram filter?

Once you’re ready for the countdown you need to make sure everyone has a special drink in their hand. Whether it’s sparkling grape juice or a sumptuous smoothie as long as you can toast with it, it doesn’t matter. My two year old loves saying "cheese" every time we have a special reason to clink our glasses together.

Once the clock strikes midday and you’ve toasted and sang, there’s no need for them to feel deprived that they’ve missed out on fireworks. Depending on what’s suitable for their age you could pull some party poppers, blow some bubbles or wave some sparklers (safely) around outside.

After all that excitement, you’ll probably all be tucked up in bed by 9 pm and you can smugly walk around feeling as fresh as a daisy on New Year’s Day!