Easy and Fun Ways to Host a Meaningful Holiday Family Gathering

Are you hosting a family gathering this holiday season? Take the stress out of hosting by setting up a simple, but meaningful family event. How? Try out a variation of these easy and fun ways to host a meaningful holiday family gathering. Your family will enjoy trying out some new ideas this holiday season and you will enjoy hosting a simpler gathering.

Food: Hands down the most important part of a gathering is the food. This is also the main reason why I shy away from hosting our larger extended family at our house. But this does not have to be so complicated. Instead of working all day to prepare dishes in the kitchen, invite everyone to bring their favorite holiday dish or appetizer to the celebration. You will end up with a unique collection of delicious food. The best part is that there is guaranteed to be something for everyone and you have not spent all of your time preparing. End up with two potato dishes? Who cares? They are delicious!

Relax about the food and go with the flow. Your guests will not go home feeling hungry.

Another idea is to assign everyone a part of the meal or skip the full meal and have everyone bring an appetizer and a dessert. Now that’s a party that I want to attend and host!

Games: Parties are more fun when you add a game. Play a few easy games that will be fun for kids and adults that don’t require a ton of prep or materials. Easy suggestions include charades, pictionary, would you rather questions, and holiday trivia. Check out this Music Song Trivia with 100 questions and answers that will challenge everyone in the group. The best part is that everyone can participate.

Photo booth: All moms want to have a good holiday picture. Make it fun by setting up a photo booth. Gather a few props like santa hats, elf ears, signs with holiday sayings, and other decor. Set up around the Christmas tree as the backdrop. An old polaroid camera would make this extra fun or try setting up a camera tripod. Find props at the dollar store or have the kids at the party create props for everyone. Make it simple! Kids will have fun snapping selfies and families can have a keepsake memory from the holiday.

Pay it forward: Instead of holding a gift exchange, have a simple way at your party to give back to the community.

• Write and decorate cards for a local senior retirement community or nursing home.

• Have everyone bring a food item for a local food pantry.

• Make care packages needed in the community.

• Adopt a family. Attendees could bring their item and wrap it during the party.

• Is there a charity near and dear to your heart? Check out their needs and how your family could contribute.

That’s it! With food, games, photos, and a plan to give back to the community, you will have created an easy holiday family gathering that will have everyone leaving with a little more joy this holiday season.

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.