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Party Planning Home > Christmas Party Planning Tips 
Christmas customs come from many sources. Some come from the story of Christ's birthday. Other customs date from older holidays and religions. Burning the Yule log comes from a northern European holiday called Yule; and the tradition of the Christmas tree began in Germany from Druid tree worship. No matter which holiday traditions you follow, it is a wonderful time for friends and family to get together.
| Getting Organized | | The Christmas season can be busy. The more organized you are, the more you can enjoy this festive season. | - Plan a family meeting and finalize all of your holiday plans by December 1st.
| - Mark your calendar with important dates: birthdays, school events, and those recommended by the U.S. Postal Service for mailing overseas parcels, domestic parcels and cards.
| - Set up a holiday budget. Include decorations, party supplies, gift wrapping supplies, presents and special holiday clothing.
| - Have family members, especially children, create a "wish list" and post them where everyone can see.
| - Make lists: gifts, groceries, party supplies, costumes, etc., and delegate responsibilities to all family members. Getting everyone involved is half the fun!
| | Wrapping It Up! | | It's gift giving season and part of the fun is wrapping. Here are a few ways to make your gifts special: | - Add curling ribbon to packages. Curl and shred with a ribbon shredder.
| - Attach mistletoe, ornaments, or bells to your bows with curling ribbon to add a personal touch.
| - Use a gift bag to wrap your present. Stuff with festive tissue or paper shred.
| | Deck The Halls! | | Decorating your home can be lots of fun and helps everyone get in the holiday spirit. Here are a few ideas to inspire you: | - Fill a pair of mittens with potpourri. Join mittens with yarn and hang from a peg near your door for a cozy seasonal look and welcome scent.
| - Place lots of votive candles in glass holders on the mantel, on window sills, and all over the house for a lovely look and cozy atmosphere.
| - Decorate windows and mirrors with window clings.
| - Add a festive touch to your table by tying gold or silver ribbon around the napkins. Include a candy cane for a special treat.
| - To create a Christmas present theme, wrap hanging pictures like a present with a big bow. Add gift tags with Christmas greetings or a few words from a favorite Christmas carol.
| - Try something new by hanging various sizes of Santa hats from the fireplace instead of the traditional stockings.
| | 'Tis The Season To Be Jolly! | | Here are a few ideas to make this year's Christmas party a little different: | - Keep the evening simple and casual by hosting an It's A Wonderful Life party. Rent the movie with a few friends and have a potluck buffet.
| - Host an open house during the holiday season. Invite friends and family to share cocktails and appetizers.
| - Invite relatives over for a trim-the-tree party.
| - Host an "ornament exchange". Ask guests to bring a tree ornament, wrapped but without a gift tag. Have everyone draw numbers. The first guest selects one of the wrapped ornaments; the second guest goes next, and so on until all the ornaments have been picked.
| | Santa's Party Smart Safety Tips | - Keep children away from fireplaces, candles, matches, and kitchen items.
| - Don't leave alcoholic beverages unattended, guard against over-consumption, and provide alternative transportation for any guests that might have overindulged.
| - Decorate your tree with children in mind. Do not put small or breakable ornaments on the lower branches where children can reach them.
| - Use UL (Underwriters Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords. Inspect lights and never run cord under a carpet.
| - Turn off tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
| - Consider buying a fire-resistant, artificial tree. If you choose a natural one, keep it fresh by checking its water supply daily.
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