For many in the MetroWest and Milford region, Uncle Sam is the one dropping the ball this New Year's Eve.
A rough economy is affecting the way many spend the last night of 2008. Instead of going into the city, some people are opting for house parties or the local bar.
Mark and Lisa Schwab of Franklin said they will spend their New Year's Eve working.
"I think everyone is toning down their New Year's celebrations," Lisa Schwab said, who was one of many at Ficco's Bowladrome in Franklin anticipating a bland celebration. "I don't even think we'll watch the ball drop on television."
Scott and Suzanne Downey of Mansfield said they will ring in the new year at a local bar with beer and wings.
"I think everyone is concerned about the economy," said Scott Downey. "I wish we could do more."
Suzanne Downey said she and her husband used to party every New Year's Eve.
"This year it is just too much work," she said.
Nick Oliva, owner of Oliva's Market in Milford, said his shop has seen an increase in catering orders for house parties, but a drop in orders for corporate functions.
George Joannides, owner of Liquor World in Franklin, said the sour economy is translating into less sales.
"People are getting laid off, they are worried," he said. "There is not a lot of celebrating going on this year."
Joannides said he has seen many people opt for inexpensive alcohol.
"Instead of a $20 bottle of wine, people are buying $12 bottles," he said. "Our sales are definitely down."
Teresa Reilly of Framingham said she plans to spend New Year's Eve at a bar in Boston, but is concerned about the price of alcohol.
"I will probably spend about $40 on drinks alone," she said. "It is awful but I am going to do it anyway."
The number of parties booked at Lake Pearl Luciano's in Wrentham is about the same compared to the last few years.
"I think the hotels do better than we do because people are concerned about drinking and driving," said Scott Fisson, the general manager.
Jeff Foster, general manager of the Crowne Plaza in Natick, said the hotel is doing as well as they did last year despite the "doom and gloom."
"I listen to the news and I hear all about how bad it is economically," Foster said. "But I think after the holiday we will be happy with how we did."
Foster said people typically wait until this week to make New Year's Eve reservations.
"We've already had a great pace with reservations before this week," he said. "We are nervous like everyone else but so far we are doing fine."
Chris Leard of Mansfield said he and his family will spend New Year's Eve in Providence, R.I, but many of his friends will stay in.
"We will go skating and see the different shows," he said. "But I think the economy is most definitely affecting the way people are spending New Year's Eve."
Allora Ristorante in Marlborough reported a 3 percent increase in sales for November. Executive Chef Jameson Mello said he thinks it is because people are staying local for the holidays.
"Our reservation book is almost full for New Year's Eve," said Mello. "I think it is because people do not have the money to go out of town, but I'd also like to think it is our great food."
Mello said he knows that families have become more money conscious.
"I think instead of paying less money for a mediocre meal, families are looking to spend more money locally for a quality dinner," he said.
Kevin and Ariann Train, of Elliot, Maine, who were visiting relatives in Franklin for Christmas, said they will probably have friends over for New Year's Eve.
"I think more and more people are staying in this year because of the economy," said Kevin Train. "Especially people with families. It is affecting everyone."