The Price of Partying

New Year's Eve is upon us. That time of year when some people scramble trying to find the hippest, most fun party option in an attempt to erase all that sucked during the past 12 months and end the year on a high note. For others, it's a night to cross their arms as tightly as possible over their chests, put on the surliest face imaginable, and chastise anyone who goes out for buying into the over-hyped disappointment that New Year's Eve will inevitably become. I find myself more in the middle of these two extremes.

I do enjoy a good NYE outing, but it's not the be-all-and-end-all of events. Some of my favorite NYE memories have included chill nights playing board games and sipping champagne. But considering I like going out in general, it would make sense that I enjoy a good NYE bash. There is, however, one major problem: I'm a cheap-ass and NYE bashes (particularly in the DC area) can cost an arm and a leg.

I blame restaurants and bars for the sour attitudes of so many people on NYE, due to grossly inflated prices. These costs push many people into the belief that going out for NYE just isn't worth it. For restaurants, it's really not necessary to double the price of a meal, tack on a dessert and claim that constitutes a "special menu." For bars, the all-you-can-drink option is great, but $95 for that privilege is a bit outlandish. Sure, there are some recent college grads who likely will drink that $95 worth and then some, but I believe such a feat is rare, especially for someone of my vintage.

Even more frustrating than the already inflated prices is the fact that each year the price seems to rise at a disgusting rate. Many of the top NYE events in DC last year started at $120 (!!) and this year started at $140, increasing as the day grows closer. I highly doubt that enough has been added over last year, or that costs have skyrocketed so exponentially, that another $20 is required from each of the hundreds of people in attendance.

Think you'll get $140 worth at this packed party? Doubtful.

Along with the frustration of crazy costs, it's disturbing to witness how little some places include with the price. Some venues simply charge a cover because they can, and don't even offer anything additional than what they do on a typical night. Plus, to pay crazy amounts and receive a measly 3 drink tickets and some paltry appetizers that run out after an hour is ludicrous. And if you really think that champagne toast is going to be worth it, think again. Many places are so packed you'll be lucky to simply get close to the area where the champagne is being handed out. Heck, you might be lucky to get served three times that night with the number of people crammed around the bar. All-you-can-drink for $140? And you only managed to get your hands on three drinks? I think you just got ripped off, my friend. For $140 I can hop on a plane and fly somewhere, which will be far more fulfilling than watching drunk, skanky women and frat boy types becoming overly inebriated such that they might have the courage to steal a midnight kiss from some unsuspecting guest.

I know some of you reading this will probably chalk up the ridiculous prices to my location, claiming "Of course it's expensive, it's DC." I agree that the area is definitely expensive, but not enough to warrant that kind of pricing. I promise you such inflation occurs everywhere, and I'm imploring the people who perpetuate the problem to bring it to an end.

Don't force it and end up like this drunken mess on NYE.

Imagine how much happier we would be if we didn't force ourselves to get the most out of our money that one night a year, thus drinking/eating far too much. When forced to consume such quantities in such a short amount of time, it's no wonder so many people end up a bloated, mascara-smeared, droopy eyed drunken mess. The black out which follows the copious amounts of drinking will undoubtedly cause even more irritation the next day when the person realizes s/he paid $140 and can't even remember what transpired at the party. (Example: "OMG did I get the midnight kiss from that hot guy? No?! You're telling me I passed out with my skirt around my waist, butt sticking out, hair looking like a rat's nest and makeup looking like Alice Cooper? And it cost me $140? Fail!")

I think it would alleviate so much stress surrounding the holiday if more fun, affordable options presented themselves. Right now, far too many of the no-cover or affordable options don't really do much, if anything, to celebrate NYE. I'm sure there has to be some way to put together a party environment without charging obscene entry fees. I'm not asking for a blow-out gala, but $20 for three drinks, some tasty appetizers and music would be fantastic. Plus, if the night went south and I had an awful time, that $20 wouldn't pain me nearly as much as $140 flushed down the pooper.

While I really think the cost plays a huge factor in people's disappointment with NYE, I also think part of the problem is setting unreasonable expectations. Feeling forced to have fun is frustrating, so do what works for you personally. If that's staying in your jammies and drinking champagne, do it. If it's going out to the local dive bar and drinking some High Life (the Champagne of Beers) at midnight, so be it. And if it means heading out somewhere to shake your booty, that's fine too. But whatever you decide, I'd very highly recommend boycotting the ridiculously priced bashes that will do nothing but leave you, and your wallet, feeling empty.