Before you get too excited, this isn't one of those, look at all my cutesy tags and banners kind of party. I just didn't have time to delve deep into the world of fabulous party planning. I did, however, want to make sure this little party did some good for someone other than us.
The Charlie Brown Christmas movie is my all time favorite. Hearing Linus recite the Christmas story gives me chills every time. Not only because of his sweet voice, but because in this precious moment, we learn exactly what Christmas is really all about.
The plan was to watch the movie and have a special devotion afterwards for the kids, but they were too pumped up on sugar to make any of that work.
For lunch I served oven baked ham and cheese sliders, with chips and veggies on the side. Nothing to do with the movie of course, but they were a hit.
You can't have a Christmas party without a hot chocolate bar.
And let's not forget the peppermint patty brownies for dessert (recipe here). (These actually DID go with the theme!! Get it, "Peppermint Patty"???).
Each year, instead of having the kids exchange gifts, I choose a service project. This year, we chose to support Project Linus, a non-profit organization that accepts handmade blankets and distributes them to children in need; specifically foster and critically ill children. My children, who were both adopted through foster care, were each recipients of a blanket.
We opted to make no-sew tie blankets. Each family made at least one, and we were able to donate eight blankets to Project Linus.
To top off the day, each child made a little treat to take home.
Sugar cone Christmas trees: turn a sugar ice cream cone upside down, cover with green icing, add candies and sprinkles, and enjoy!)
It was a fabulous time of friendship and togetherness and service, sharing in the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas.
If you're a fan of Charlie Brown's Christmas movie, you can't scroll past this without clicking (I know I can't!)
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What a special event. Just love charlie brown. I think the special. comes on next week
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun party and I just love that there was giving back involved!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, I've been trying to teach my kids about giving back and this is such a great way to do it. Putting this on my to do list for next year!
ReplyDeleteYour such a supper mom and I need to take notes and learn from you. This is awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt really warms my heart to see you teaching these kids care about and help others. The world will be a little bit better place for the seeds you are sowing today.
ReplyDeleteLove it!!
ReplyDeleteI love Project Linus! I work in a PICU and there is always such joy when the kids receive a blanket. Thank you for supporting such a great cause.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this with us because I have never heard of Project Linus. How awesome.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
I'm wondering of the icing you used for the cone trees worked well. What kind did you use? I want to do this for all the littles st our family gathering and want the icing not to be too gloppy but hold the decorations...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great ideas!
It was just prepared frosting from a can, dyed green. It held up very well.
DeleteSuch an awesome idea, passing it forward is a lesson your kids already know. Too bad a lot of adults never get it. I l.o.v.e. that movie, too.
ReplyDeleteJanet
What a fun party! LOVE Charlie Brown Christmas too! =) The part about giving back is such an important lesson for our kids. That's great you all made blankets! Every year in December I have my daughter go through all her toys and she donates ones she no longer plays with. She knows we do this every year because there are other little kids who aren't as fortunate as her. I love that she knows this is something she can do, in her own little way, to help! Thanks for sharing and inspiring, Kristin!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and yours!! =)
~ Catie
ah what a cute cute idea!!
ReplyDeleteThis site is use for the blog. Your work is very good and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts.
ReplyDelete