Santa’s Little Helpers: Involve Kids in Holiday Party Planning
A holiday party for friends, neighbors and extended family is a lovely addition to your holiday traditions. Involve the kids in holiday party planning, from the invitations through cleaning up. Kids can help with party planning for both formal and casual holiday parties. Little ones are thrilled to participate and won’t even realize that they’re learning valuable party planning and hosting skills along the way.
Step 1
Pick a theme. Kids are sure to love helping pick a holiday party theme. You might opt for a snowman party, a cookie exchange or a tree trimming party. Allow the children to make suggestions or offer a few choices and let the children select the party theme.
Step 2
Recruit the children to make invitations. Invitations are a key part of holiday party planning. Offer up a full craft box or even send out homemade ornaments to invite your guests. Even very young children can help with this part of the holiday party.
Step 3
Make party decorations with your children. Classic snowflakes can look elegant for a formal party, while playful snowmen or elf hats are a good choice for a casual holiday party. You can purchase simple craft kits at your local craft store to create uniform party decorations. Kids can also make placecards or party favor bags for your holiday party guests.
Step 4
Arrange activities for the children at the party with your kids’ party planning help. Let older children plan party games or supervise activity tables for younger ones. Use paper tablecloths or placemats to allow the kids to draw and stay busy at the table.
Step 5
Let the kids practice their hosting skills. Even a young child can greet guests at the door and offer to take their coats. This is a great opportunity to practice good manners and learn to make introductions. Older children can help serve food, tidy up as the party progresses, and learn to mingle with the guests.
