Get the children used to the numbers of the New Year by letting them create their own crafty collage. We did this every year when the kids were young and the collages were proudly displayed right through January, then photographed for posterity.
The more "ingredients" you put in, the better. Either draw the numbers for the children or help them draw the outlines themselves. Liberally paint on some white glue (PVA glue) and let them get sticking!