Making Holiday Memories ~ Game Night & Party Activities
One look inside Target or Lowe's and the aisles are now full of wonderful holiday gifts and decor. As stores get into full swing for the holidays, I thought, what really makes for a good Christmas? For me, it’s the memories, surrounded by my family, fun activities and most importantly tasty food! I love hosting parties and keeping things flowing is a big part of that. So, I have put together this collection of fun activities - whether creating party games for the kids, entertaining friends and family or carving out a little special time for yourself. I have partnered with Zazzle to create my 2021 Designer Holiday Collection. My hope is that these products will add a sprinkling of holiday cheer to your Christmas season!
For families like ours who live in Florida and warmer climates, this "Santa Llama" Cornhole (AKA bean bag toss) is so much fun and perfect for everyone, from children to adults. It's a classic and a great way to entertain outdoors among the cheerful holiday yard décor. It helps burn off a little excess energy with the potential for a family annual holiday Cornhole Championship (with bragging rights of course)!
Growing up, both my husband’s and my family played cards on the weekends. Over the years, we have incorporated holiday puzzles and playing cards as part of our own holiday festivities. Nowadays, I keep a holiday puzzle or two laying around for anyone who wishes to work on it. Taking a little time for yourself by putting together a few puzzle pieces (along with a glass of wine) helps reduce some of that holiday stress. Puzzles are very versatile, not only are they relaxing, but they are a fun activity and make a nice addition to your holiday décor. As for playing cards, we will be hosting our third annual family Christmas Eve poker game!
Below: "Modern Santa" jigsaw puzzle and "Santa Llama on the Beach" playing cards and notebook (great for score keeping and shopping lists!).
Movie nights have also been a big part of our holiday traditions. Relaxing by the TV watching seasonal movies is something we still do with our grown children. We just grab pillows and some blankets to cuddle up with, whatever is quick and easy. However, for young children, you can make it extra special by creating a fun-filled whimsical fort. Just add twinkling lights, comfy pillows, blankets and festive towels to create a magical holiday fort any child would love - adults will enjoy it too!
Pictured here is my "Santa Llama on the Beach" Towel. Be sure to check out my holiday pillows too! (here)
You might choose to invite over your BFF's or the girls from the gym for a festive yoga night. Yoga is a great way to destress during the holidays. In keeping with a fitness vibe, be sure to serve healthy snacks and beverages (see suggestions below).
Add some seasonal cheer to your workout area with my "Whimsical Poinsettia" Yoga Mat.
As for any gathering, be sure to offer plenty of healthy food and drinks such as orange slices, dried fruit, nuts, trail mix and popcorn. You might choose to add red and green M&M's to your popcorn to make it extra jolly. As a substitute to alcoholic beverages, serve non-alcoholic fruity sangria, sparkling apple juice, or flavored water with slices of fruit. For a festive flair, add garnishes to your drinks with a sprig of rosemary and several frozen cranberries.
Be sure to check out my entire "2021 Holiday Designer Gift Collection" which not only includes the products shown here but also other home decor items, stationery products, fun activities, and more . . . all with a modern flair and an artistic approach that will have everyone feeling merry.
I hope your festivities, whether they are intimate or large family gatherings, are full of fun and that you make wonderful holiday memories. May your celebrations be meaningful and may you be surrounded by those you love.
Stay safe everyone, Melinda
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