Set out an array of candies, and give each child a plastic sandwich bag filled with icing that’s tied off with a small hole poked in one corner. Show them some basic ideas for decorating the houses, such as using shredded coconut as snow, and then let them create their masterpieces. For favors, you can provide kid-sized aprons or gingerbread-man cookies in cellophane bags. Then, each child can load up an empty plate with two of each type of cookie. While making their way around the table, the children should pick up a copy of each recipe. Set up a station where the kids can then decorate covers and bind the recipes into small cookbooks as a party memento. Instead of making actual gifts, guests also could make wrapping paper or Christmas cards at the party. The crafts should be enough of a favor themselves, but you could also send creative kids home with a blank artist’s notebook and a set of Crayons or drawing pencils. You could decorate the main table with a large stack of canned goods shaped like a tree, trim a tree with scarves as garland, or hang strings of mittens above every doorway. At the end of the celebration, you can talk about what you’re grateful for this holiday season and donate the goods to the charity of choice. Go over some safety guidelines before heading out, such as walking with a buddy and staying on the sidewalk. Bundle up, hand everyone a candlestick, and spread holiday cheer by singing door to door. Have kids take turns presenting neighbors with a plate of cookies or a kind greeting before moving onto the next house. A few people can stay back at the house to make sure hot cider, hot cocoa, and other warm treats await the carolers upon their return. When it comes to food, make mini pizzas in holiday shapes. To do this, simply cut the dough with cookie cutters before adding the toppings. For favors, send everyone home with a music-themed tree ornament, such as an electric guitar or drum set. At the party, take turns reading the book together or watch the movie. As the party ends, send everyone home with a jingle bell, which is a reference to how the boy in “The Polar Express” finally believes Santa Claus is real. Ask everyone to bring a side dish that represents the culture assigned to them, and feel free to sing songs that tie to the countries, such as Stille Nacht (Silent Night) in German. Alternatively, you can play this music on speakers. Another fun activity would be to teach kids how to say Merry Christmas in different languages.
