The Silly Season is a time of joy, cheer, presents, and beer. But how do you find the perfect balance between good ol’ grownup fun and child-friendly festivities?
We’re glad you asked.
Hosting a Christmas party adults and kids can enjoy equally is no easy feat. If you want to land on everyone’s ‘nice’ list, there are a few clever Christmas party ideas you can pull out of your stocking.
Plan Kids’ Activities That Don’t Require Adult Help
Yes, we all love our children. But do we want to spend the entire afternoon helping them glue cotton balls onto Santa’s beard?
Heck no.
Keep the kids happy (and save yourself from another mu-um or da-ad) and plan some kids’ activities that don’t require constant adult supervision or assistance.
These might include:
- Colouring-in station
- Bubble-blowing station
- Ball pit
- Sandpit
- Simple puzzles
- Candy cane hunt
- Costume box (what child doesn’t want to roleplay as an elf?).
While Christmas is all about spending time with family, all our parents out there deserve a little downtime with the other grownups for once. Right?
Party Tip: Recruit your Great Aunt Gladys to keep an eye on the kids for the day. Better yet, have her dress up as Mrs Claus or Rudolph while she does it. She’ll probably just be glad to be invited.
Keep the Food Simple
This is not the time to experiment with elaborate entrées and fancy French dishes you can’t pronounce. Play it safe and serve the tried-and-tested recipes you can trust all guests will enjoy. This might include pizza, roast chook and veggies (we won’t judge if you snag a pre-cooked one from the Woolies deli), or a good old Aussie barbecue.
You might even consider a potluck lunch or dinner where everyone brings a dish. This way you know every family (and fussy eater) is catered for – and it saves you cooking everything yourself.
Party Tip: Avoid messy foods like spaghetti bolognaise or tacos. That’s just asking for an evening of cleaning up after the kids. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Host Christmas Party Games for Kids and Adults
Christmas-related party games are a great way to keep the little ones entertained and get the whole gang together for some #bonding. There are plenty of Christmas party games fun for little and big kids.
Christmas Musical Chairs
Just like traditional musical chairs, but with all your favourite Christmas carols. This is your chance to bust out the Michael Buble (and all your best moves).
Draw a Snowman Competition
Set the timer and get drawing! This is especially fun if you’re a few eggnogs deep. Mr Snowman’s carrot doesn’t go there, Margaret!
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Similar to the not-so-PG version you played at your sister’s Hen’s night, this game is pretty self-explanatory. Buy or draw a poster of Rudolph and get yourself a big red pompom, some craft glue, and a blindfold.
Christmas Present Wrapping Competition
Sounds a little lame, right? Well, it’s not when you use your kids instead of real presents. Here the adults race to wrap their child – wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and all. Whoever finishes first (and looks the best) wins. This one makes for some funny photos.
Party Tip: Consider prizes kids and adults can enjoy, such as movie vouchers or a special Christmas ornament.
For some tips to reduce waste this Christmas (and some seriously hilarious GIFs), get this article into your life ASAP.
