Christmas party games and ideas are easy to plan with a festive
mindset. Think fun! Whoever is heading to your house for the holidays,
make it a Christmas to remember. These ideas are a breeze to plan and
will inspire the joys of the season for you and your guest to share.
With
all the hype and consumerism that has taken over the pleasure of
Christmas, don't forget that nothing can replace the joys of a simple
celebration at home with close friends and family. Think of Christmas
past - the smell of fresh baked goods, the sparkling luminous tree,
Christmas carols playing on the stereo, much talking and laughter
throughout the house. This is the stuff of a true Christmas where the
joys of the season can be found. It is also the simplest of
celebrations to plan.
The smell of fresh baked goods coming out
of the oven is an irresistible holiday memory. Even the family
"scrooge" can't resist the temptation to indulge in Christmas treats
and sweets. Don't spend all your time baking, a simple cookie recipe or
two is all it will take to get your guests into the kitchen. Consider a
holiday baking party with a few close friends, everyone shares their
best Christmas cookie. How about a cookie decorating party? Cookie
decorating is fun for kids, big kids and kids at heart. These recipes
will bring the joys to your kitchen:
White Rolled Christmas Cookies
·
1 c. powdered sugar
· 1 tsp. cream of tartar
· 1 tsp. soda
· 1 c. butter
(margarine may be used)
· 2 c. flour
· 1 egg, well beaten
· 1 tsp.
vanilla
· 1 tsp. almond extract, if desired
Roll out dough a cut
with cookie cutters. Dough can be rolled and re-rolled as often as
necessary for cutting desired shapes. Frost with favorite powdered
sugar icing and decorate. Also may be rolled in balls and pressed flat
to 1/4 inch. Bake at 300 to 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Christmas Fruitcake Cookies
·
1 c. butter, softened
· 1-1/2 c. sugar · 2 eggs
· 2-1/2 c. flour · 1/2
tsp. salt
· 1 tsp. baking soda
· 1 tsp. cinnamon
· 2 (8 oz.) pkgs.
pitted dates, chopped
· 3 c. pecans, chopped · 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied
pineapple, chopped
· 1 (8 oz.) pkg. candied cherries, quartered
Cream
butter and sugar. Add eggs, beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix
well. Add the rest. Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375
degrees for 13 minutes.
How about Christmas movie night or
nights. A great past time for families who want to create a holiday
tradition to do every year. There are a number of wonderful holiday
movies that will become family favorites. Try some of these for your
family holiday movie night:
· It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - The
top all time favorite every year as George escapes the clutches of evil
Mr. Potter and realizes he's the richest man in town. Thanks, Clarence.
·
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Did Macy's just hire the real Santa
Claus? Hearts young and old still melt as Maureen O'Hara (and a very
young Natalie Wood) finally see that "faith is believing in things when
common sense tells you not to."
· A Christmas Story (1983) -
Ralphie schemes and dreams his way to his one and only Christmas wish,
the official Red Ryder air rifle.
· A Christmas Carol (1951) -
The all-time best version of the Dickens classic starring Alister Sim
as Scrooge and a definite must for any holiday DVD collection.
·
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - Tim Burton's original
stop-motion masterpiece about a bunch of ghouls who just don't get
Christmas "...and they call him Sandy Claws!"
· The Santa Clause
(1994) - Comedian Tim Allen's only successful big screen performance to
date as a hapless divorced dad begins to put on weight and grows a long
white beard.
· Polar Express (2004) - On track to becoming a
classic with Tom Hanks as the conductor on the early morning run to the
North Pole.
Nothing says Christmas like Christmas carols. The
tried and true classics are still the favorites. How about a tradition
of caroling with family and friends. A rousing rendition of "Deck the
Halls" is sure to get your group and your neighbors in the holiday
mood. This list of carols are perfect for your caroling adventure:
·
The 12 Days of Christmas
· Christmas Tree
· Come All Ye Faithful
· God
Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
· Tattenbaum
· Hark The Herald Angels Sing
· Silent Night
· The First Noel
· It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
· We Wish You A Merry Christmas
· Jingle Bells
· Joy To The World
· Three Kings
Create
some holiday magic with your family and friends The scents, sounds and
traditions from seasons past makes a great backdrop for a season of
festivities, laughter and fun. Start a few new traditions your gang
will want to do year after year. A bit of planning and a lot of love
will create traditions enjoyed by the young and the young-at-heart. A
little Christmas party games and fun will make the season merry bright and memorable. Happy holidays! |
