Preschooler Christmas Party

by Brandi
(Georgia, USA)

Christmas parties can be a lot of fun. But with fifteen to twenty preschool aged children running around in chaos, a Christmas party can be anything but fun. I work in a preschool, so am very well aware what happens.

It's important for the party host to have a definite plan to keep the children fully entertained for at least a good hour or two.
These are some of the Christmas games we played at our last christmas party in the preschool -

Gift Exchange
One of the main preschool Christmas party activities is usually a gift exchange of some kind.

Every child brings in a wrapped toy and put it into a pile. The toys should have a price limit in advance. Some teachers even choose to have the children buy gender specific toys, or some will even just have them all buy a book.

All of the children will sit around in a circle, and hold one gift. Then, when the teacher or host plays music, usually holiday music of some sort, the children pass the gifts around clockwise to the child next to them. When the music stops, that is the gift they get. If any child has the gift that they bought, the teacher can ask someone to trade with that child. Then, they unwrap! The gift exchange usually causes a lot of excitement for all of the children, and proves to be a hit at any party!

Dance Freeze
Another activity idea for a children's Christmas party which will exert a lot of energy to tire them out is freeze.

The teacher or host will have the children dance around to Christmas music, and as soon as it stops, they have to freeze in whatever position they are in. If anyone moves or makes any noise while the music is off, they are out. The last one standing wins!

Santa Says!
Another great activity is Santa Says. You play the game just like the classic Simon Says, only you replace Simon with "Santa." The kids will love it!

And most importantly, don't let them have too much sugar or else you'll be sorry. Have fun and happy holidays!