"Christmas" / Holiday Party

Emma, I am not Jewish but please consider that there may be children of the Jewish faith in your child's class and possibly children of other faiths as well. In my child's school, there will be a "winter holiday" party and all crafts and decorations will be penguin themed. This is not the small world that we grew up in and unless your child attends a private Christian school, this issue will come up every year. Please remember to include and show respect for all faiths.

Good luck!!!
L.

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Musical chairs with Christmas music. Kids of all ages love it. My mom always had games she made up at b-day parties and school parties. One she did (we were older) was put outfits into bags. Two teams like a relay. You had to run and grab from a pile of bags and you were a in a nurses uniform with a stethiscope or baby with bib and a binkey, anything handy. First line to get through first won. It was funny. At the dollar tree they have reindeer antler and you could make a red nose, snow man, christmas themed stuff or just mixed stuff may old halloween costumes.

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My son's Kinder holiday party had 3 or 4 stations of activities. In one they made holiday cards for mom or dad or whoever (leftover holiday card fronts, wrapping paper scraps & red & green paper). One station was cookie decorating (and eating!) and I honestly can't remember the others. They spent 15 minutes at each table and it was lively but fun and only just messy enough to feel like a party!
have fun!

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Hey Emma,

One of the things we did last year was to have a Christmas Bingo game. Instead of words on the papers we used pictures and used M&M's for markers. We played about 2 or 3 times and it was really fun because all of the class could easily participate. We also made the reindeer candy canes. Again easy....

Good luck,
D

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I would suggest coming up with ideas to show customs from different holiday celebrations around the world. Then the kids learn something and have fun at the same time.
We did little christmas trees made out of ice cream cones, mini m&m's and green frosting. They loved it and got to have it for a treat when they were done decorating! Good Luck!

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I am assuming that they have learned all about holiday customs in the weeks leading up to the party, so it doesn't seem to me like it's up to you to do that, right? I'm sure the teacher will be working on that all of December. You might ask her what all they've covered if you want to try and work it into their holiday party.

What about stations of fun things? You could bake or purchase sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles (these could be provided by other parents, of course) and have a decorating station (provide bags so that they can take their creation home). ANother station could be making an ornament. An easy easy one that Kindergartners can do with the help of a parent is the candy cane, made with beads and a pipe cleaner. A third station could be a paper craft while holiday music is playing. All of these stations could be Christmas-y, or they could each be celebrating a different holiday (the cookies could be Stars of David with blue frosting and blue and silver sprinkles, the paper craft could be a Kwaanza placemat).

I taught first grade, and the kids were usually happy doing little craft stations, but they also enjoyed just sitting and eating! We always had FOOD...little sandwiches, chips and dip, veggies, fruit, and cookies and cupcakes. Noshing kept them happy for a long time! We also did a book exchange, but that might be something the teacher needs to organize.

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I am former K-Teacher and let me tell you, an hour is a blink especially with excited Kindergarteners. I found decorating cookies was always a big hit. Eats, Christmas songs & a story was very enjoyable. Are they doing a gift/book exchange? I would play musical gift. Just like musical chairs except when the music stopped, whoever ever was holding the gift was out with a present. Boys & girls were done separate and each child brought a wrapped book $3-$5, boys for boy & girls for girl. On the tag it be TO: Boy From: Joe or To: Girl From: K. etc. They loved it!!
If they can't bring in gifts/books, maybe wrapped ornaments, candy/treat bag, or dollar store toys or items. Check with the teacher. Oh, pin the red nose on the reindeer was a fun one too! You can use bulletin board paper a draw a reindeer and use red dot circle stickers (from office supply).
But it will most definitely go by quickly.

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Go to www.FamilyFun.com and you will find so many wonderful ideas for crafts/games/activities. I use this site all the time for all the holidays.

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How about putting them in a big circle, distribute some chocolate coins (or hard candy?) and teach them to play a game of dreidels... After playing it a couple times with everyone in a circle, divide them into smaller groups:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreidel

You don't have to emphasize the Hanukkah/religious aspect... at age 5-6, the kids will enjoy justing playing the game for the candy/treats.

Each player starts out with 10 or 15 "coins" (pennies or chocolate, nuts, raisins, candies or other markers), and places one marker in the pot. The first player spins the dreidel, and depending on which side the dreidel falls on, either wins a marker from the pot or gives up part of his stash. Start the game with at least something in the pot, so if the first person spins a 'take' then there will be something there... If you play it in a big circle group, just keep refilling the pot if someone wins it all before all the kids get their turn; just pass the same driedel to the next player. (If played in a big group, the pot has the potential to get big! which undoubtedly the kids will love). The game's code (based on a Yiddish version of the game) is as follows:

Nun - nim - "take" - the player takes one from the pot
Gimel - gib - "give" - the player puts one in the pot
Hey - halb - "half" - the player takes half of the pot, rounding up if there is an odd number
Shin - shtil - "still" (as in "stillness") - nothing happens and the next player spins

The game may last until one person has won everything.

And, if you need something more to fill up time, you could also teach the kids the dreidel song. The words are non-religious:

I have a little dreidel. I made it out of clay.
When it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.

It has a lovely body, a leg so short and thin.
When it gets all tired, it drops and then I win!
Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, with leg so short and thin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it drops and then I win!

My dreidel's always playful. It loves to dance and spin.
A happy game of dreidel, come play now let's begin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, it loves to dance and spin.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel. Come play now let's begin.

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I agree to stick with anything non religious or non related to christmas. How about making snowmen with large marshmallows and toothpicks? The kids can decorate them with colored icing then eat their creations.

There is also making snowflakes with construction paper.

Here are a few sites I found with more ideas:

http://party.kaboose.com/seasonal/winter/winter-party.html

http://www.daniellesplace.com/HTML/games.html

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfea...

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Yikes, each school has customs about what is celebrated at that school. Some do huge Christmas parties, some do all winter celebrations from all religions and beliefs. At our daughter's school they did Winter celebrations. Everything had to do with winter weather and snow. We made snow white cupcakes. Had the kids make snow flakes and decorate them with glitter. We made snowmen out of cotton balls and snow globes out of glass jars with glitter. hope this helps.

I was just at Joanns fabrics, they have gloves for only $1.00 a pair. Maybe they could each decorate their gloves.

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Well, for my son's party in kindergarten, the teacher read a very cute story about candy canes. Why they are curved and why they are red and white. It was very cute. Then everyone got to make their own candy cane with red and white x-shaped beads and pipe cleaners. They were learning about patterns at the time as well - so the kids made patterns with the beads. Very cute and not completely "religious" per say. It worked out great and no messy clean up. :)

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I taught kindergarten for 5 years and this is what our kinder team did every year... We read multiple versions of "The Gingerbread Man" and "The Gingerbread Girl" (I'm sure your child's teacher is doing the same around this time of year) Then for the party we gave each child a plain gingerbread man cookie (I found precut gingerbread men at Target in the freezer section...all you had to do was bake) and then some frosting and decorations such as M&M's, licorice for hair, marshmallows...whatever you want. and the kids got to decorate their cookie. When they were done, I went by with a camera and took their picture with their gingerbread man. It made a cute keepsake and the kids loved eating their gingerbread man! It didn't take much time at all, most of it was set up before hand. I had each child's plate ready with a cookie, frosting and a popsicle stick for spreading, then had bowls of the deocrations in the middle of each table. It took the kids about 30 min to decorate and then eat. We also gave them clear cups of sprite with a cherry in it. We called it Rudolph's Sprite. I hope you have fun, this was always one of my classes favorite activities!

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Reindeer sandwiches: Make sandwiches (whatever filling you want) cut off crusts and cut whole sandwich into 4 triangles - cut 2 diagonals. Use broken up pretzels for antlers - stick into 2 corners of each triangle. Use raisins or choc. chips for eyes and Mar. cherry (juice drained) for nose on remaining corner. The kids like making these.

Airplane ornaments: Need 1 stick of gum (like Wrigleys) 2 mint lifesavers, 1 package of smarties candies, 1 rubber band and 1 paper clip or ornament hanger.
Smarties is body of plane. Run rubber band through both lifesavers (wheels) and attach rubber band ends over ends of gum stick(wings) The rubber band holds lifesavers, smarties, and gum together - the twisted end of smarties is propeller. Attach the ornament hanger to rubber band ends on top of gum stick (wings) Very easy and kids love these.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph: Have Rudolph cutout and attach to bulletin board in classroom. Give each child a nose to tape on Rudolph (play with original pin the tail on donkey rules) reward winner with small prize.

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I, too, was in charge for my son's Christmas party at school. I took unfrosted cupcakes and set up a table where the children could frost and decorate the cupcake themselves. The children really loved doing this activity. Best wishes!

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As a former teacher, I would suggest bringing a book to share with the kids. You might want to get with the teacher to see what would be appropriate or which book she suggest that she has not already read. The students will be so excited on this day and the time goes by very fast! After the story, my students always went back to their desks and began opening their treats bags, eat their one salty snack and one sweet snack with a juice box. Before you know it, it will be time to clean up.

Also, regarding the cupcakes...our cupcakes, cookies, etc. always had to be store bought and sealed when brought into the school. You might call a grocery store to see if they can make a tree shaped cake out of the cupcakes. I am pretty sure that I have seen them do them in the stores before.

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I was room mom for my sons Kindergartner's class and we did an Italian theme. Called all parents that the girls could wear a scave on the head and I can not remember now what I suggested for the boys. We had pizza for the food. But where the fun came in was I called Dominos Pizza where we purchased the pizza's (they are very good about the price for the school) and asked if they could bring several dough balls and show the kids how to toss the dough. They did and then each child got to try it they had so much fun and learned something new. We had one dough ball for a table of 5. It was a very cheap party.

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the kid will just want to "do " something fun - like playing games - with a christmas theme. Adapt any game the kids are familiar with to a christmas theme. For example, most kindergarteners know the game, Duck, Duck, Goose - so perhaps you can change the name to reindeer names such as Doner, Doner, Doner...RUDOLPH! Or Elf, Elf, Elf, SANTA! Perhaps do Kareoke christmas songs or AMerican idol where the kids try to imitate santa by saying HO, Ho, Ho. then of course, they will enjoy receiving goodie bags filled with christmas candy.

About Me: a 54 yr old working mom of 2 grown kids and a former Girl Scout leader for 13 years....

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Kindergartners hyped-up for Christmas: play active games and have more planned than you have time for...just in case! Here are some ideas:
1. "Pin the nose on Rudolph" For a rudolph, purchase a large cardboard poster of rudolph, or draw one. Cut enough red circles for the kids. Don't forget to bring a hankie or something to cover eyes.
2. "Musical Pass - the Gift" - Works like musical chairs only the kids sit on the floor and pass a wrapped gift. Instructions: Wrap a small box and fill it with enough candy or stickers for each child to have one. Then place it in a larger box and wrap it, keep placing the wrapped gift into a larger box until you run out of boxes. To play the game have the children pass the gift until the music stops. The child holding the box opens the gift. The fun is they realize it's another wrapped box, keep going until you get to the center box. That child opens it and the whole class is a winner since each gets a candy or sticker.

3. Decorate sugar cookies with sprinkles, etc. or decorate mini gingerbread houses made from Graham Crackers.

4. Sing songs with physical actions. Read a Christmas story. Since it's a parent reading, you can legally read "Away in a Manager" or about Hannukah, and Kwanza.

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Buy two large Christmas stockings (the inexpensive red/white ones are fine) and a huge bag of mixed Christmas candy (or whatever). You will need two bowls to divide the candy into and two regular wooden spoons. Divide the classroom(s) into two groups and line them up. Place the stockings across the room - one in front of each team about 15 feet away. Place the bowl of candy/goodies right in front of the lines of kids. Give the first child in line a spoon. The object is to fill the stocking using the spoon and scooping as much candy into it and running down to pour it in the stocking and running back to give the next child in line the spoon. Whatever team finishes first, wins. I usually would get prizes for both teams (something cute from the dollar store - one being "better" than the other). The kids have a blast with this and it keeps them occupied for a while.

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Well we all love sprinkles (hehee)its always fun to decorate your own cupcake with different stuff you cant go wrong there and its inexpensive and it takes up plenty of time. the kids will be more interested in licking fingers to help in the process. simple is always good, take muffin pans or empty egg cartons (just make sure they are really clean) and fill them up with different decor for the cup cakes and place plastic spoons in them. you can even get cookies for the base of the cupcake and they can decorate that to.

topper ideas:
mini mms
sprinkles
flakes
crushed peppermint
chocolate chips
fruit loops any colored cereal
jelly beans

good luck

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I did a party for kid's at school several years ago and they seemed to have had lots of fun. I made very large sugar cookies and took the iceing and candy. They decorated their own cookies and then were able to eat them. HEB had some pre mad ginger bread men in the Bakery dept. they will be fun to decorate and then eat. See if you can get the store close to you to donate the unused meat trays you know the one's that ground meat comes on. That way the iceing will hopefully be in one area. Good luck and have fun.

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You've received some great advice about being inclusive and respectful of school district guidelines. Another thing to consider is that some schools do not allow outside food, rather they mandate to the PTO what can be brought in (food allergies, safety, etc) You might want to ask other room moms what they are doing so one class doesn't get more treats than another. Ive found that winter bingo celebrating all the holidays is a hit. Another one is simple drawings of winter scenes and winter word searches are a fun to do. Good luck .. the best gift is the time you are donating to organize this for your child;s class.

I know that "political correctness" is very unpopular in these cases, but I think that you should keep things as "non-denominational" as possible. I'm totally not PC, but I did grow up not celebrating Christmas and was not comfortable participating in school when all the parties were geared toward that religious holiday. It caused quite a stir for my classmates and teachers who wanted to label me, and it forced me into a defensive position. Everything was so exclusive, and people tried to make me feel like I was wrong.

Now, it didn't really bother me as a child; I was able to tell people who insisted on forcing their way onto me to just shove it...not in so many words, of course. Put your child in those shoes, though. Do you want to be all-inclusive, for all the children in the class or just the majority who celebrate Christmas? At that young age, I think that the air should remain as light as possible. They shouldn't have to fight so hard for those beliefs in their Kindergarten classroom.

That said, serve seasonal and festive foods, but leave the red and green at home. If you want an all-out Christmas party, do it at your house...not in the public school. People want to believe that Christmas is universal, but it's not. As big as it's gotten, it's still a religious holiday. ...Unless you're gonna be sure that all holidays observed during this season are represented. The kids might get a kick out of learning about the different customs.