As our older two kids were headed out the door from our Thanksgiving Cranium bash last Thursday, the eldest asked, “So when’s the party?”

I was confused.

He explained that he didn’t want to miss this year’s Christmas party, because they are always so much fun. Apparently, we have inadvertently started a Christmas party tradition at our house. And my addled brain hadn’t grasped its importance, nor had I planned on hosting a party this year.

The other older child chimed in and both exclaimed that this was something they “wanted” for Christmas. Kay piped up and said that she had even more friends who wanted to be invited this year, since our parties are rumored to be so much fun.

Huh? I’m baffled. But I’m starting to figure it out.

Three years ago we hosted an open house, on Christmas Eve no less, for our friends and neighbors. We had moved into the place we live now and received quite a bit of teasing that we hadn’t invited anyone over to see our new house. So we decided the holidays were as good of a time as any. My sister and her family were visiting, and frankly I felt a bit guilty about imposing on my sister’s gourmet chef talents to cook for my friends.

But fast forward to last year, when my sister and family were visiting again. I asked my sister what she wanted for Christmas and her response was “to throw a party with your friends like last time and cook for them.” I was stunned, but our friends and neighbors eagerly obliged. And our children had a blast cooking in the kitchen with their aunt.

Still not getting the significance of this party to my family, I was stunned again when the older children have now asked to receive this party as their “gift”. And they all immediately said they and their friends would be there.

Wow, could the best gift of the holidays really be that simple? Bringing together family and friends around some snack foods and playing games? I think what attracts everyone to the parties is the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that everyone’s invited. And everyone who comes has a good time. We eat, sing carols, visit and agree on an all-inclusive party game. I believe it was Taboo last year. Regardless, everyone gets in the act, everyone laughs, everyone is free to come and go as they please.

The party-as-gift request makes me smile. Our two older are my stepchildren, and frankly I’ve always felt that we fall short in the gift-giving arena for them. Their mother is able to supply all their material wants. So, it has put a huge smile on my face to learn of something they want from us. And truth be told, I can’t think of anything I want for the holidays more, either, than a house filled with our friends, our children and their friends…what a gift to us all!

Now, I just have to figure out which date is best and get the invitations out…


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