Are you weary of the time-worn ways of greeting the New Year? Are ball-dropping countdowns and party hats old hat? And who needs that hangover the next morning?

Our readers are here to help: We asked them to tell us the unique ways they ring in the New Year:

"Throughout the year (we) write down good things that have happened and put them in a jar," Virginia Asbridge wrote on our Facebook page. "On (New Year's Eve we) get comfy and open the jar to relive all that happened that year."

Reader Janet Genaust-Rud heads to the local Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois headquarters for a night of bingo.

"Not really for the bingo part (sorry, guys) but for the being with my dad part," Genaust-Rud wrote. "Every year I'm blessed to have my dad still with me. When your parents are up there in years, you have that thought in the back of your mind that I might not have him next year.

"With the economy so bad, every year the bingo room has less people. And as I've grown up over the years and see the crowd dwindle, it's sad. Hopefully more people will come this year for fun. And to say Merry Christmas to my dad and all the workers that's there year after year. You'll be home in time to watch the ball drop for 2013."

Reader Rebecca Kalert Lucas makes New Year's Eve a child-centered celebration.

"I let my kids have friends over and we 'party' -- which means staying up til midnight, watching the ball drop on TV, blowing horns, drinking sparkling grape juice," she wrote. "Just kid friendly fun. By New Year's, they haven't seen their friends from school in over a week, and everyone's anxious to show off a special gift or game they've received for Christmas.

"They all fall asleep around one, and get picked up in the a.m."

Sounds like the family-centered celebration for Tara Labukas.

"Staying home," she wrote, "cheese tray and wine, board games with the kids."

Marie Micki Antoinette Franklin puts religion at the heart of her New Year's Eve, at New Life Community Church in East St. Louis.

"On New Year's Eve we end the year praising the Lord and bring in the New Year praising the Lord," she said. "Our service starts at 10 p.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. All are invited to join us."

Reader Sondra Berg has another idea, if you don't mind putting off that New Year's diet a day or two.

"We stay home," she wrote, "play board games and eat junk food. :)"