Today we had our biennial family Christmas party. Every other year, our married kids spend Christmas with their in-laws so I host a fun Christmas-themed party to enjoy a yummy dinner, fun games, and to have an opportunity to exchange gifts for those of us who won't be together on Christmas Day. Two years ago, I did a Charlie Brown Christmas theme; this year I chose the Grinch. For dinner, we had roast beast, who hash, Cindy Lou Who salad, Max's dog biscuits, who pudding, and Grinch-ade. Once we finished eating, each person got to pick a pair of socks with either the Grinch or Max on them. That was how we determined teams. I then sat down to read the Grinch Who Stole Christmas book. At certain spots in the book, we would stop and play a game. For example, when the Grinch got an idea to dress like Santa, the kids (& Jeff) had to make a Santa suit out of wrapping paper and ribbon. We then "stole presents" where someone had to be blindfolded and scoop up bows with a spatula. Next, we played "Who-hash" tic-tac-toe with bean bags followed by reeling in a small bowl of Rice Krispies to get the "crumbs" from the "Who mice". Our last two games were to name that Christmas tune with just a phrase from the song and finally to "return the stash" where I placed several toy items on a tray. Everyone had only seconds to memorize their locations before I dumped the trays and they had to put the toys back. It was pretty fun! Everyone engaged with the games and Carter & Everly loved the story. To end the evening, we did a sibling/family gift exchange. It was a fun evening! I'm grateful that our kids like being together. It's honestly the reason that I put so much effort into these family parties. I just like gathering everyone as often as I can...and it's the perfect season to do so!
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