i grew up just outside of pasadena, ca so as a teenager i used to go to colorado blvd on new years eve and camp out for the rose parade the next morning. but since having children, and now living farther away from pasadena, i don't do that anymore. so every other year we go to my aunt's house and we play poker and scene it! and eat, drink and be merry. and everyone stays the night at my aunt's and wakes up to a huge breakfast feast and watching the rose parade on tv. on the years that we don't do that, my husband and i stay home with the kids, maybe have a bottle of champagne (if we make it to midnight) and then next morning we make a "picnic" breakfast to be served on the living room floor while watching the parade. either way, our new year's festivities are cheaper and safer than most others!