I’m so excited it feels like I’m the one having a party, but it’s my son Ian’s Christmas Party that has me filled with anticipation. This is the first year I’ve used Birthdays in a Box for a Christmas party and now I can’t wait for the actual party day to arrive.
Since my schedule won’t allow a Christmas party at my home, I’m sending in the party goods for a classroom party. This is actually what gave me the idea to look at Birthday in a Box; everything comes in literally one box, so it’s easy to use and the teacher’s will love it too.
I’m a regular mom, not a millionaire, which is another reason I use this company – party favors, games and decorations are as inexpensive as you can get; the cards I picked out are .59 – less then one dollar! The activity ideas, which blow away anything I could come up with on my own, are free – these tips alone are worth visiting the site, even if you have no upcoming party plans.
Yesterday I talked about the personalized letters from Santa, so the class will have a hello from the man himself, which is sure to delight them all. Since the ages in the classroom vary, I think the elf theme (there’s one to match every age, gender or holiday preference) is the way to go. Ian is twelve and old enough to help plan the party, but I include him on the planning and entire process because it builds anticipation; not to mention organizational, speech and other skills.
The best part about the holiday theme has to be the gift sets for kids at the party. There is a bunch to choose from, but I’m partial to the gingerbread house filled with goodies. I like the gingerbread gift box, because it links to the party activity I have planned – building a gingerbread house; or city if everyone builds their own! I suppose I need to run this one by the teachers too, although I’m sure they will be receptive because activities like these are the best natural opportunities for socialization, friendship making and interaction.
Where we live there is a lot of snow. And I mean a lot, so incorporating that into activities is always a good idea (since there are so many months of it to go through!). There is a snowman cake pan and, when I saw it, I new it was a perfect mold to make snowmen with outside in the snow. It’s another way to make a snowman that any child can do, as opposed to the traditional snowman building method (which is laborious and takes a long, long time!).
Another activity I have planned is decorating cookies. Most children do best with hands on activities, so that is why I’ve chosen these so far. I chose this idea, not surprisingly, because I can prepare everything before hand. If I bake the cookies ahead the kids can simply decorate them during the party.
For an added surprise I’m going to use the picture frame activity and have the children decorate those. It may seem like I’m planning a lot but keep in mind how quickly children can complete, or tire, of one activity. I’ll print the pictures I take during the party and insert them in the picture frames and now everyone has a gift to give to mom that she will certainly love.
Don’t make the mistake that many people make and assume a class party (or one at home) is unaffordable. There’s no need to hire a Santa impersonator when, for five dollars, you can have a letter mailed to your child. Instead of gift giving, buy the inexpensive themed party gifts that are made well (won’t break in two seconds) and match the festive feel. Even the activities, including arts, crafts, and the snowman are affordable. You can do a lot with what is available even if you’re creatively challenged like me.
I hope you’re in the Holiday mood and decide to have a party for your child at school or at home. The memories are simply priceless and it’s a great way to build socialization skills and friendships. It can be so busy this time of year, so taking the time to slow down and give a gift like this is a blessing.
Do you have a great party idea or story? If so, post it below.
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