It’s Christmastime and I am ready to party. The recent pandemic has put my already over-the-top approach to the holidays into massive overdrive. I’m not talking about past Christmas seasons where people drink a sad cocktail and play a lackluster game of Pictionary. I want a party, complete with theme and effort and surprises around every corner.
Do I have time to throw one of these extravaganzas with a Kindergartner running my home? Probably not, but perhaps you do, so here are some holiday party suggestions to make your Christmas season extra jolly!
Christmas Movie Theme:
We’ll start with an easy one. We all love Christmas films. Choose your absolute favorite and center your party around it! Create invites, encourage costumes, and provide themed eats and treats. To complete the effect, you must play the film in the background.
Bonus points if you create a game centered around the movie. For example, play movie trivia, or craft BINGO cards. If you’re not sure where to start, there are a variety of game templates online to keep you from re-creating the wheel.
Need some ideas on movie themes? Here’s an easy go-to list:
- Christmas Vacation – So many characters to choose from! Clark and Ellen Griswold, Todd and Margo, Cousin Eddie, and even the kids. Beautiful, Clark. (Don’t forget the eggnog in Marty Moose drinking glasses!)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Who doesn’t want to see Whos singing “Welcome Christmas”? If your friends are super creative, this one is a slam dunk because the sky is the limit. Go Who-crazy!
- Elf- Grab your pointy shoes and giant black belts and get your Christmas on. This theme is a great one to include fun “elf-sized” food as well. Additionally, kids make the perfect elf, so a party that includes children is ideal for this theme.
Pop Culture Christmas Theme:
While it’s great to include Christmas movies in your theme, don’t feel limited by that requirement. Choose a movie, TV show, or any pop-culture theme and simply add Christmas! Two years ago, my husband and I hosted a “Schitt’s Creek” Christmas party based on the hit show. Everyone dressed as their favorite character, and we simply centered it around Christmas. Voila!
Here are some ideas for your very own 2021 Pop-Culture Christmas Extravaganza:
- Kris-mas with the Kardashians – Reading or watching anything around the Kardashians is the guiltiest of all pleasures, so why not celebrate their extravagance? Get your vocal fry on point and choose any Kardashian (or Kardashian-adjacent) person to show up. Laughs will be guaranteed.
- Mariah Carey-oke Christmas - Dress in your favorite Mariah Carey outfit and set up karaoke for this music-themed party. Warning: not everyone loves a karaoke night, so choose your guests wisely. But with the right mix of people, you will be up all night!
- Norman Rockwell Christmas – If you’re in a nostalgic mood, consider bringing back slow-cooked casseroles, long scarves, and rosy cheeks! Have your party participants dress in their most wistful costumes as a call back to the days of yore. Create a playlist with staples like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, and Judy Garland, and slow dance the night away!
No matter what form your Christmas party takes, understand that the whole point is togetherness. In a time when things are uncertain and unprecedented, a little holiday cheer will go a long way. Don’t forget to take pictures so you can look back and remember your incredible night!
