Last weekend was my pre schoolers Christmas Party. They do enjoy it but I think it could have been better if there were games and some lively (party) music. Oh well speaking of parties, how can you make a party that can last a whole year impression? Kinda hard no.. but it is actually simple, specially if we are talking about preparing parties for the kids.
One of the first thing you must take note is games and prizes. I am no veteran when it comes to parties but since I have been to numerous kid parties before, games are for them the main attraction. A party without a game is not a party at all. And since Christmas party should be more festive and lively than any other party, games and prizes is a must.
What kind of games? how about the prizes? And how can you relate the games to the meaning of Christmas.
First, the prizes, I think candies and lollipops are the safest choice. Give each winner two of each kind and add some cookies too. Toys are not a good choice since kids are all about toys. How about the other kids who did not participate, it would be heartbreaking to see how they long for the toy prize and yet they are too shy to participate. Candies are kids favorite but some can live without it so there.
The games. Trip to Jerusalem is a good choice. You can explain to them why the game is called as such and the relevance it has to the birth of Jesus. No idea? You know how this game was played right? If there are five contestants, there would only be 4 chairs. The music plays and the kids dance around the chairs. The music stops and the kids beat each other to a chair. One will be left out and the kid is out of the game. The game starts again, this time a chair is removed and so one until one chair is left for two kids. The kid who can sit on the last chair wins. You can explain the kids that Joseph and Mary was like that when Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. they look and look and went around looking for a place to stay, just like the kids did on the chair. And unfortunately just like the game, the house was not enough for the people flocking to Jerusalem.
Another great game where you can explain the meaning of Christmas is Pass the Ball, but this time use a star instead. Explain to the kids the importance of the star and how it guided the three kings to Jesus.
Don’t concentrate much on the foods because the kids won’t even notice it. Keep it simple, spaghetti and hot dog on stick will do and some fruit juices. During the party, make sure you got plastic bags in handy for the trash. Teach the kids the importance of proper waste disposal and let them put the gift wrappers on the designated trash cans.
Kids are easy to please if you think and act like kids but of course we remember that we are still responsible and that even if we act like them, make each childish act a learning moment for the kids.
