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Children don’t always remember every birthday party they have ever been to; however, they never forget the holiday season slumber parties. There is something special, magical, and so much fun about partying in Christmas pyjamas, staying up way past bedtime and giggling under the blankets.
Age Appropriate Slumber Holiday Party
Many children under the age of 7 are not ready for a slumber party and have never slept away from parents or grandparents. So slumber parties shouldn’t start until 7 or 8. (The exception would be two or three close friends or cousins who have been away from home overnight previously.)
The general rule of thumb for birthday parties is to limit the number of guests to the birthday child’s age. However, with slumber parties, it may be more appropriate to limit the guest list even further. Could you try to limit the guest list to 10 children?
Involve The Child In Planning The Christmas Slumber Party
Children know their friends’ likes and dislikes and are, therefore, the best Christmas party consultants. Planning includes invitations, decorations, activities, Christmas party games, favourite Christmas movies, meals and snacks, and take-home gifts or favours. The invitations should include a list of what to bring—a pillow, sleeping bag, and toiletries.
Prepare to feed the children pre-meal snacks, a meal, late meal snack and breakfast. Consider healthy alternatives to junk food. Some healthy but yummy choices include trail mix, cheese and crackers, watermelon or oatmeal raisin cookies as a snack; homemade pizza or chilli as a meal; apple pancakes or muffins and strawberries for breakfast. As some children are picky eaters, be sure to offer alternatives.
Be Clear On THE Rules Of The Christmas Pyjama Party
The parent and child should agree on Christmas time party rules ahead of time. Rules may include which areas of the house are off-guard, instructions not to play practical jokes or tease other guests, restrictions on inappropriate music or movies, and quiet time in consideration of neighbors.
Setting the Atmosphere
Begin by transforming your living room into a winter wonderland. String up twinkle lights around your Christmas tree, and don’t forget the holiday decorations. Go the extra mile with a black light for some glow-in-the-dark fun. Play Christmas music softly in the background to fill the room with holiday cheer. For an even cosier atmosphere, consider a Christmas movie marathon, projected onto a white sheet to create a mini movie theatre experience.
Food & Drinks
It’s not a Christmas party without good food! Prepare a hot chocolate bar stocked with candy canes, marshmallows, and whipped cream. Bake sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees and snowflakes, and set up a decorating station with various toppings. For larger groups, consider ordering a few pizzas or making a buffet of appetizers. Treat your guests to a special treat like gingerbread houses, which can be a fun game and a sweet treat all in one!
Fun Slumber Pyjama Party Ideas For The Party Guests
- Picture time – Take lots of photos. Consider leaving a few disposable cameras for the children to use. Develop them and send them with the thank you note.
- Also, take some home movies and show the party movie as a late-night activity; consider printing some digital photos the next morning as a party favour.
- Slumber Shirt Design – Children can make their own sleep shirts. Buy plain t-shirts or sleep shirts that are extra large for sleeping. Wash ahead of time, so kids can wear them as soon as they’re done. Kids can use fabric paint to design whatever their hearts desire. Glow-in-the-dark paint would be especially fun for the sleepover.
- Movie Time – A movie is a great way to settle the kids down in preparation for sleep, but the movie should be rated G. If the birthday child insists on a PG movie, check with the guests’ parents to be sure they approve.
- Camping Out – Kids may enjoy the adventure of camping out in the backyard. This should include a backyard bonfire with s’mores and ghost stories (not too scary). Ensure there are enough tents and that one parent is willing to sleep in a separate tent outside with the children, especially if they are younger than 12. A large basement and some faux wood will also work if safety is an issue.
Other Slumber Party Activities
Some activities that will keep the party moving include karaoke, board games, a scavenger hunt, makeovers, storytelling, jamming with musical instruments and sleeping bag races.
Sleepover parties provide children with social interaction outside of school. They also help young children develop a sense of independence, giving them the opportunity to spend the night away from home and their parents. Hosting a slumber party involves more than just feeding and keeping an eye on the youngsters. Plan activities to keep them entertained and involved throughout the night to have a successful party.
Decorating Pyjama Pants
Occupy a group of little girls with an activity that allows them to express their creativity and provides a party favour for them to take home. Purchase an inexpensive pair of solid-coloured pyjama pants for each girl and provide fabric paint, glitter and other embellishments for them to use to decorate their pants.
Personal Pizzas
Help children make their own personal pizza. Purchase small, ready made pizza crusts and a variety of ingredients such as sauces, cheeses, pepperoni, sausage, olives and pineapple. Supervise the children as they make their pizzas and then bake the pizzas while the children watch a movie. This allows the children to interact as they prepare their food and will provide dinner for everyone.
Spa Night
A spa night will make a group of preteen girls feel more grown up and keep everyone entertained. Set up different stations where the girls can indulge in pedicures, facial masks and hair styling. Let the girls go from station to station, trying out each spa treatment.
A Christmas slumber party is the perfect way to ring in the holiday season. From the hot chocolate bar to building gingerbread houses in the living room, there are simple ideas for everyone to have a great time. After all, the best way to spread holiday spirit is to create memories that last far beyond Christmas day and into the New Year.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
