Christmas >Holiday Birthday Party

While the excitement of a Holiday Birthday can certainly be lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is so important (especially for younger children!) to establish their birthday as a special day, separate from whatever else is going on during the season. And while it isn’t necessary to keep your holiday and your child’s birthday at entirely opposite ends of the calendar, there are some fun and creative ways to combine the two – and still let them know that the day is about celebrating them!

Deck the Halls!
Gather friends around the Birthday Tree to sing “Happy Birthday” to the guest of honor! Instead of a Christmas tree, let kids decorate a small tree with Birthday ornaments! Pick up strings of novelty lights (match the party theme, if possible), and provide craft sticks, pompoms, glitter, yarn and lots of other great craft supplies so guests can create their own ornament, honoring the Birthday Boy or Girl! Use cardstock to create a star for the treetop, and glue a photo of your child onto it – letting them know that they’re the star of the day!

The Countdown Begins!
Instead of counting down the days until Christmas, count down the days until your little one’s birthday! Create a calendar (similar to an Advent calendar) with a small envelope or box to open each day. Inside, place a small, inexpensive item, such as stickers, candy, costume jewelry or a small toy to be found every morning! No peeking ahead!

Have a Chocolate Bar!
Sundae bars are a guaranteed sweet treat for summer birthday parties, but with Old Man Winter breathing down your neck at the holidays, why not try a Hot Chocolate Bar instead!?! Find a simple recipe for homemade, stovetop hot cocoa (or take the easy route and use packets!) and supply all the fixin’s! Fill small bowls with fun additions, like candy cane stirrers, mini-marshmallows, cinnamon, chocolate sprinkles, M&Ms, chocolate-dipped spoons, and of course – whipped cream or marshmallow fluff! Pick up inexpensive mugs that guests can take home for an extra treat!

Gifts that Keep on Giving
On your birthday party invitations, encourage guests to bring a small, inexpensive gift with them to the party. Let them know that each gift will be donated to a shelter or holiday giving organization in your area. Suggest that gifts be as simple as canned goods, scarves and mittens, or even a warm blanket. This is a great way to teach kids the importance of giving while also teaching them to appreciate their own good fortune!

A Gift of Thanks
Instead of traditional thank you cards, send guests a Thank You Ornament! Purchase inexpensive frame ornaments, include a photo of your child and each guest from the birthday party and express your thanks on the back! Be sure to include the date (include the year!) so guests can cherish your appreciation for years to come!