Whether you had your Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving or have been patiently waiting until December to get into the holiday spirit, ‘tis the season to celebrate and cherish those you hold dear. What’s the best way to gather people together? A holiday party. Here are seven themed holiday parties to consider hosting.
Cookie Decorating Party – Nothing brings people together like the smell of sugar cookies. It doesn’t matter if they are made from scratch or Pillsbury pre-cut Christmas tree cookies, get together with your friends in the most convenient kitchen and get creative. If you don’t feel like baking, buy a few gingerbread house kits and attempt to build a gingerbread mansion. Just make sure you leave a few cookies for Santa.
Caroling Party – While many of us have been attempting to hit the high notes in Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” for a while, why not share those harmonies with your friends and family? Go door-to-door in your dorm or carpool to your friends’ residences. Don’t forget to invite your victim along to the next location with you. End the night with some Carol-oke and hot beverages. Don’t worry, being a good singer is not a prerequisite for this activity.
Deck the Halls Party – This one is for the crafter elves. Get your friends together and make some paper snowflakes, decorate ornaments or make festive garlands. Design Christmas cards to send to those who couldn’t make it. Purchase a variety of gift wrappings and make it a group activity. Just remember to leave your gifts for those in attendance at home.
Ugly Sweater Party – Any kind of holiday party is enjoyable, but an ugly sweater party adds a certain level of tackiness that’s not always overtly acknowledged during the holiday season. Instead of a regular gift exchange, encourage party-goers to bring the worst or most-unnecessary gift they can think of. This would be well-paired with a screening of “Christmas Vacation” or “A Christmas Story.”
Ice Skating Party- What sounds better than bundling up, drinking a hot chocolate and lacing on some skates with your friends? UMaine offers public skate at the Alfond Arena on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Public skate is free with Student ID or RecCard, or check out the Penobscot Ice Arena in Brewer.
Scrooge Party- For those of us feeling a little “bah, humbug,” consider hosting a Scrooge party. Eat non holiday-themed food like Chinese takeout, buy lots of candy and watch a horror movie. This will provide a great escape for those who are tired of the holiday cheer.
Vintage Yuletide Party- If your favorite holiday movies are “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “White Christmas,” you may be interested in a more old fashioned gathering. Encourage your friends to dress to the nines, spin some Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole albums on a record player, and serve hors d’oeuvres and punch by the fire (even if that fire is a Youtube fireplace live stream). Make it a potluck and play some card games after dinner. Don’t forget to hang some mistletoe.
