Different Kinds of Christmas Parties

Different Ways to Celebrate Christmas this Year

Christmas is a time when there are lots of parties and get-togethers. If you want to change it up a bit, here are some Christmas party ideas for everything from kid-friendly nights to office parties.

Cakes and Cookies and Gingerbread — Oh My!

Cookie exchanges at the office are an age-old tradition, and a smart one at that. Everyone brings dozens of cookies made from their favorite recipes and swaps with everyone else. It's an easy way to get some snacking variety while evenly distributing the work among everyone.

Change it up by hosting a decorating party. Everyone can bring plain sugar cookies. Prepare a variety of frostings, decorating sugars, sprinkles, and candies. You might also host a gingerbread house-decorating contest. You can make the traditional version or paste graham crackers on pint containers with frosting for a ready-to-go method. Offer a gift card or other special treat for the winner of the most festive house.

Office Christmas Party Ideas: Beyond the Ugly Sweater

Are you tired of the ugly Christmas sweaters? Take charge and usher in a new tradition for your work Christmas party. Bring the wonder back to adults who may no longer believe by setting up a hot chocolate bar. Offer many kinds of hot cocoa mix and provide add-ins like homemade marshmallows, chocolate mint stir sticks, and freshly whipped cream. Try new flavors like Mexican hot cocoa and white chocolate versions. Set up board games from your childhood, like Candyland and Sorry, to inspire nostalgic memories. Add trinkets around the room to spark conversation, like Rubik's Cubes and Slinky toys.

Movie Marathons

It seems like everyone has at least one day during the season where they take part in a Christmas movie binge. Plan yours as a party this year. Start with your theme — either several movies in a series or several classics. Create games around the movies with trivia, or have each guest dress as a character in one of the films. You can also build in an activity that has a connection to the movie, like stringing popcorn garlands or holding a lighting ceremony outside your home.

Use your imagination and have fun changing things up. Your party doesn't have to be complicated; the simplest of celebrations are often the most joyful.