Christmas Family Holiday Party Ideas

The Family Party

In between your slight lack of enthusiasm for the annual company Christmas party and your wracked nerves over the party you're throwing with friends, you could probably do with some relaxation. Don't forget all the shopping, baking and chauffeuring during the most bustling (and, oh yes, most wonderful) time of the year.

Don't let it get you down. It is, after all, supposed to be a time of joy and giving. Spread the love by making your family party the best it's ever been. This doesn't have to involve nearly the amount of time and stress that you might initially expect. In fact, planning a party for the family can be downright pleasant if you have some ideas in mind for the big day. A family-only party is also ideal for bonding, reconnecting with relatives you don't see often and just kicking back and relaxing.

The recipe for a perfect family party calls for plenty of great food and some distractions to keep the kids busy!

Christmas Family Holiday Party Ideas

Whether you're planning something low-key and relaxed or elaborate and ostentatious, you probably have one particular goal you'd like to achieve: make the event meaningful for the entire family. That's easily accomplished just by gathering everyone in one spot! Here are a few Christmas family holiday party ideas to get you on your way.

Throw a Dinner Party

Don't worry. You don't need to ask your family to show up in their fanciest attire for a 'do being held in the comfy confines of your humble abode. Nor do you need to spend hours preparing a fancy meal. Instead, put a twist on the traditional dinner party by centering the meal on one particular food or cuisine. A few examples include:

• Sundae Night: Go on, it's a holiday! Skip the traditional party fare and make this a night to remember – with all the fixings. Toppings like candies, sprinkles, whipped cream, fruit and nuts line one side of the table; tubs of ice cream line the other. Don't forget to pick up plenty of festive dishes at your local party store to give it an authentic holiday vibe. Also, take advantage of the limited edition ice creams available during the holiday season, such as eggnog, peppermint and pumpkin flavors.
• Breakfast for Dinner: No one can resist a delicious breakfast spread. Line up your table with a potpourri of festive jams and syrups, a selection of sweet breads, rich pastries, muffins and plenty of coffee, hot chocolate and tea.
• Traditional: A traditional Christmas feast is always a success. Whether you lay the food out buffet style or serve it formally, you can almost guarantee that dinner will be flawless with this type of menu. Typically, it includes ham or turkey, a variety of side dishes and, of course, plenty of dessert.

Don't Forget the Kids

It's highly likely that children will be in attendance. A few seasonal games will ensure they get into the holiday spirit and have a great time doing so.

• Christmas Idol: Fans of American Idol will love this game that puts a festive twist on the show's premise. Choose three kids to be the contest's judges – its very own Simon, Paula and Randy. The remaining kids each perform a Christmas song. The "judges" choose the winner.
• Human Trees: This is one tree you won't spend too much time taking down. Separate the kids into equal groups. One person from each group is named the "tree." The remaining members are then given the task of decorating the "tree" with tinsel, stars and ornaments. Just be sure the ornaments aren't delicate.

Location, Location, Location

If you'd rather not have your party at home, consider booking a table at a restaurant everyone loves, renting a hall in a community facility, or holding the event in a recreation room if you or another relative lives in a building that offers one.