Lists.

Can’t sleep with them.

Can’t function without them.

It seems as though Santa isn’t the only one who makes a list and checks it twice these days. There are holiday shopping lists, guest lists, greeting card lists, and most imminently applicable, New Year’s resolution lists.

I’ve never been one to make grand New Year’s resolutions – maybe because I don’t want the abiding guilt of letting another resolution, or to-do list, go unrealized. But kudos to all you out there who carry the list-loving spirit into creating New Year’s Resolutions.

This year, my roommates and I will be hosting a night in the New Year’s Eve. Not an easy task… In a NYE-related list I can endorse, here’s my list of activities that can keep your friends and family happy at home on this holiday:

- Start the party at 10, so you don’t have to feed the masses.

- Keep finger foods and plenty of caffeinated beverages available to keep everyone awake!

- Create a dress code for party guests. At my apartment this year, there is a strict elastic-waistband-only pants rule.

- Keep group games available to engage the guests. Electronic Catch Phrase and Taboo are party faves in my house (it’s by sheer providence that they are also my client) and running charades or a game of Just Dance on the Wii are crowd pleasures.

- Take pictures aplenty to keep the memories alive.

Here’s to a healthy and happy 2011. May your to-do lists be crossed off systematically.

Ali