Go out or stay in for New Year's

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - New Year's Eve is a mixed bag of party plans. Northampton will host its annual First Night where the ball will go “up” on the roof of the Hotel Northampton at the stroke of midnight.

Kids and families will enjoy First Night Jr. during the day at the Holyoke Merry Go Round.

And to celebrate 250 years, Wilbraham will hold their own First Night.

But for various reasons, some people like to stay home and celebrate.

“We always watch the ball drop on TV and I have a couple glasses of wine give them a couple glasses of ginger ale and that's it. They try to but they never make it,” said Marissa Richards of West Springfield.

"If you go to the bars you've got to spend a lot of money and I kind of went big on Christmas so you know how it is, you've got to catch up on the funds and replenish the bank account a little bit," said Nick Midura of Chicopee.

And it's telling that people like to celebrate the new year at home with family and friends by the large supply of all things party related at Big Y.

It's not just party foods either, many people have special traditional foods they must have every new year.

“I'm getting lobsters, it's one of the traditions we like to do on New Year's Eve, it's better than going out,” said Dino Carando of Longmeadow.

And for others, the comfort of their own home provides the celebration and safety they like.

"A lot of people on the road at night and sometimes people may not be driving so good.  Even though the law says you're not supposed to be drinking and driving people still do it so you're probably better off staying home,” said Calvin Warner of Agawam.

Whether you celebrate the new year or not, the holiday is the closest thing to being the world's only truly global public holiday.