How to Organize a Holiday Party for Kids of Any Age!

Children's Holiday Activity Guide

Whether you are hosting a childrens' holiday party, helping with one at school or simply attending a get-together where children will be present, it is essential to have a game plan. A holiday party can sour fast when children are bored and left to their own devices! To ensure the success of any holiday get-together with children, someone should have some activities planned!

Here are some basic strategies for any holiday celebration.

Begin with an icebreaker: especially if children don't know each other all that well. Gather children into a group initially for introductions in the form of a game. Have children go around and tell favorite carol, what reindeer they are most like, the funniest gift they ever got, funniest holiday memory, etc

Provide Choices: when teachers have a large class with a lot to accomplish, we often use 'stations' or 'centers': 4-6 different activities set up in different areas of the room. Set up activities at tables, on the floor and around the room.

Rotate groups of children: divide children into groups and rotate groups to each station.

Provide Variety: Here are some good basic centers or stations:

A food/ snack area over the floor with an old shower curtain or something disposable that you can fold the spillage up into and pitch out! Have baby wipes, spray soap and paper towels and hand sanitizer available! Keep snacks simple, fun and nutritious. Cheese and crackers, cookies to decorate, veggie and dip tray, fruit tray, popcorn, pretzels, crustless sandwiches cut into holiday shapes. Aviod excess sugar and pop. Check out some of the websites below for ideas.

A craft stationSet up one or more crafts based on age. Have an older child or another adult be in charge of this station. Choose crafts which children can have success with (not too difficult) Make sure you are very familiar with the craft and give good instructions. A poster on the wall with clear step-by-step instructions is helpful for the readers. For non-readers, you can make a picture diagram to help.