“There’s no such thing as a perfect New Year's Eve celebration. To each his own,” says marketing executive Shiven Verma, 27, who intends to spend this New Year at home with his family.

Several families in the city, like the Vermas, would rather have a quiet dinner at home than jostle with drunken strangers in cramped halls of the city's restaurants.

“Call me a grouch, but I'd rather put on my favourite music, order food and sip some wine at home than pay a bomb for the same thing outdoors,” said Sheetal Nair, a software professional.

Others, like 12-year-old Shruti Vishwas who are 'too young' to venture out and too old to stay in, have decided to make the best of it by organising a pyjama party for her friends.

There is no dearth of special shows on the many television channels. “TV channels keep the couch potatoes occupied well on New Year's eve,” said Verma.