The holiday season can be a difficult time of year, and can really put a strain on personal relationships. With all the stress the holidays can bring, it’s important to spend quality time with the people you care about the most. That way, you can relieve your own stress, and enjoy the magic of the holiday season with the people you love.
Throw Parties
One way to cheer up and spend time with all your favorite people this winter is to throw a holiday or Christmas party. There are tons of different types of holiday parties you can plan. You can have a cookie exchange party, a white elephant gift exchange, an ugly Christmas sweater party, or a mini charity event with you and your friends. The aim is to rejuvenate your relationships, whether it be friends, family, kids, or even with your other half.
Cookie Exchange Party
For a cookie exchange party, tell all your family members or guests to bring 12 cookies. Either homemade or store-bought is fine. Have all of your guests lay their cookies out on the table. Give everyone their own plate, and have each guest make their way around the table, choosing 12 cookies for themselves to take home. It’s a great way to mingle and enjoy a bunch of different desserts.
Whether your guests choose to bring store bought cookies or make their own, a cookie exchange offers an easy way to do something fun with friends. There is no guessing about what to bring, so everyone has less stress. Expectations are clear and easy to meet, meaning everyone can focus on spending time with each other. If you want a fun party that lets you nurture relationships and wind down from your stressful life, try a cookie exchange for next holiday event.
White Elephant Gift Exchange Party
A white elephant gift exchange is similar to the cookie exchange in that all your guests need to bring something. Instead of cookies, everyone brings one wrapped gift. Put everyone’s names in a hat and draw each name, one at a time. The person who has their name read gets to choose a gift for themselves. They can either choose a gift from the pile, or steal a gift from someone else. The exchange ends when everyone has a gift.
It’s a super fun way to end up with an extra unexpected Christmas gift. A white elephant gift exchange is a great example of a get together with few expectations, and tons of fun. It’s a great option to enjoy time with friends and family.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Ugly Christmas sweater parties are exactly what they sound like. Everyone shows up wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater they own. It’s fun to see what everyone’s sweaters look like, and you can even hold a contest for ugliest sweater. Winner gets a tin of hot cocoa or a small gift.
Time to pull out the snowman sweater in the back of your closet! This is a great type of party to throw if you and your friends just need a chance to laugh at yourselves. Laughing at yourself is a positive way to let loose and bond with the people around you. Have an ugly Christmas sweater party so you and all your friends can have some stress-free together time.
Charity Drive Party
Most of us wish we were more thoughtful and gave to others more regularly. The holiday season is a good time to remember the importance of giving, although it’s hard to think about charity when you have so much to do. That’s why hosting a party that doubles as a toy or food drive is a good idea. You and your friends can enjoy each other’s company while helping others at the same time. Remind your friends to bring toys that are in good condition, or food that are not expired, for the party.
Hosting an event like this can bring causes that you care about to the attention of your friends and family. You can talk with them about why the causes motivates and matters to you. Let them know about other ways they can donate and help people struggling with the particular issue you are fighting for.
Opening up about issues you care about gives out positive vibes, and bring you even closer to your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to host a charity party and let your loved ones learn more about the causes you care about.
Remember to take photos of your Christmas or holiday party! You’ll love looking back on the fun times you shared with your loved ones. A great way to share those memories with everyone is to send out Christmas cards. Basic Invite has a huge selection of beautiful cards for every occasion, and their holiday cards are wonderful. Share your holiday cheer with friends and family through holiday cards this year. Everyone will be so pleased to get a card and look back on all the fun memories you shared.
Strengthen relationships and have some good times with family and friends with a party this holiday season. Whether you decide to have a cookie or white elephant gift exchange, an ugly Christmas sweater party, or a charity event, remember to cherish the time you get to spend with your loved ones. The holidays are some of the best times to nurture relationships, so take advantage while you can. Happy holidays!