Katherine's Christmas Party

 

This year, Katherine desired to have some quality time with some of her homeschool friends. The elementary group at our co-op is huge, and most events don't lend themselves well to quality time, so I offered to host a smaller, more intimate Christmas party for several of Katherine's homeschool friends. We decided to play a few games, enjoy some snacks, have a book gift exchange and decorate gingerbread houses. 

After all the guests arrived, I divided them into three tables to play a couple of dice rolling games (roll a snowman and roll a Christmas tree). We also played a quick little this or that game/

I asked everyone to bring a snack, so after the games, the kids ate and mingled.

We took a quick group photo before beginning our gift exhange.

Such a sweet group of kids. These are most of the second and third graders at our co-op.

Then we played the left, right game to the story of the nativity. It took some parental involvement to get the kids all passing in the right direction at the right time. It was certainly comical at times. The kids also got very worried if they were holding their own gift. We had to reassure them that they would continue to pass the gifts around. 

The kids also needed a little pep talk at the end about being grateful for their gift and not being upset if their friend received a book that they especially wanted. So many life lessons at the party. 

The kids all ended up taking home a great book. And we moms got some good ideas for new books. 

After our gift exchange, we ended the party with gingerbread house decorating. I premade the houses, so the kids went at it with frosting and candy. 

Elisabeth and Nora were the best helpers during the party. They divided up all the candy and decorations for the two tables and helped the kids decorate. 

Katherine was proud of her house. It turned out cute!

The kids had a great time decorating (and eating) their houses. 

After they finished their houses, most of the kids ran outside and burn off some of the sugar. It was chilly, but they didn't care. They played for a long time. 

After the party we invited Evelyn and Ilona over to use the leftover supplies to decorate a house. Nora and Elisabeth also joined in the fun. 

And Samuel asked to make a house too. 

He even decorated the interior. 

Overall, we had a wonderful day celebrating Christmas with all of Katherine's friends. It was chaotic and busy, but also full of sweet moments of friendship. She's determined we're going to make it a new tradition, and I agree. I can't wait for next year.