Tips for Teachers: Classroom Christmas Party Boosters
Christmas celebration in the classroom need not be complicated and expensive for it to be joyous and memorable! All you and your students need is the true spirit of Christmas, cooperation, ounces of creativity, and, of course, the goal to just have fun and celebrate the blessings of the year.
Here are some tips that you and your students can use to have a budget-smart hassle-free fun-filled classroom Christmas party!
Theme it!
From your classroom decorations, to your party clothes, food, gifts, and activities --- give it a theme. Brainstorm on common interests and come up with a party theme that you can use to spice up the celebration. By doing this, students will have the chance to share ideas and express themselves. A party theme can also help you organize the preparations.
Saving Tips: Costume parties are cheaper because costumes can be borrowed and students can use recycled materials to make their accessories.
Less is more
Simple hand-made decors shine brighter than those expensive mass-produced Christmas lights. Decorate the classroom with Christmas cards personally drawn or written by your students. Also, remember that less décor means less trash after the party!
Saving Tips: You can use candy wrappers, old newspapers, and other recyclable materials to create Christmas decors. Creativity and resourcefulness can save you and your students lots of money!
Games, Games, Games!
Party games build relationship and camaraderie among your students. From charades, to trivia quiz, relays, sing and dance contests --- all these activities can help you and your students get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company.
For Christmas party games and activities, check out the links below!
Printable Christmas Party Games (by Party-Games-Etc.com)
Christmas Party Games Ideas (by Christmas World)
Printable Christmas party games and puzzles (by bowtieproducts.com)
Planning your child’s Christmas party (by About.com)
Fun Party Games for Teens (by About.com)
Give the gift of time
Instead of the typical exclusive Christmas party program, why not invite some street children to your party? The students and children can dance, sing, and share gifts with each other. You and your students can also spend your Christmas party in an orphanage or retirement center. You can also volunteer to clean up a local park or riverbank.
Saving Tips: Coordinate with parents and the community so everyone can help out with your program. Remind everyone that volunteering is all about making and sharing time.
Have a joyous and meaningful Christmas!
(Published 17 December 2007, Smart Schools Program)
