Yes, it is that time of the year when the kids start looking forward to their holiday classroom party and busy Mamas like us, start wondering, fretting and fussing! Yeah, I know. I’ve been there and felt the exact same way.
However, the last few years have been different. I have actually enjoyed hosting a holiday classroom party for my daughter’s school and here are some of the tips and ideas that have helped me enjoy the whole thing as much as the kids!
1. Plan, Plan, Plan Some More
I am a list-lover and planning freak. I write down everything and that one thing has helped save my sanity when putting together the holiday class parties.
A few of the things that I focus on writing down are:
Logistics
Here I note down the date, time, duration and the overall theme of the party. I check with the teachers to find out if we can do a “holiday”-themed party, like Christmas or does it have to be “general”, like Winter to cater to other denominations as well.
I also check with the teacher about food allergies before getting started on the menu.
Food Ideas
I like to keep food simple and mess-free. Pinterest has been hugely helpful in giving me some great ideas that are simple and yet holiday-themed. From cute sugar cookies to sandwiches that are shaped like, reindeers, they’re tons of ideas for you to choose from.
Some favorites include: red and green apple cubes on a stick, hot cocoa, popcorn strings and trail mixes.
Games and Activity Ideas
Having a few dedicated stations helps keep the kids busy and also, the party going easily.
We had a cookie decorating station at one party, which was a hit. There were readymade sugar cookies that the kids then decorated with simple decorations and took home. Easy and fun! This year, we’ll be doing a “Make-a-Happy-Card” where the kids will decorate a simple card and write a happy message for their friend.
One of my favorite games include Musical Books where the kids pass a gift wrapped, gently used book while the music plays and when it stops you get the book!
2. Ask for Support and Help
While you may want to be Superwoman and host the party on your own, it would be helpful to your sanity to ask for support and help. Have another parent pitch in to help with one of the activity stations while another can help organize the games and you can take care of the food and overall hosting. Some parents may volunteer with party supplies should offering time be a problem. But don’t hesitate to ask!
3. Remember the Most Important Ingredient: FUN
The most important ingredient for any holiday classroom party is FUN! So, remember to have fun and keep things simple because those are the ones that kids enjoy the most. Things will go wrong as they usually do with events like these but remember at the end of the day, your kids and their friends will only remember that you were smiling and they had FUN! So, don’t stress it or sweat it.
Will you be organizing the holiday class party for your kids this year? What are YOUR tips or challenges? Share with me in the comments!
Written By: Parenting Contributor, Prerna Malik, themomwrites.com
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