The holiday season is here and it is the time of year to celebrate your blessings with all of the special people in your life. Whether you are planning a holiday party with your besties, a small but fancy dinner with family, or a celebration that includes anyone and everyone, there are a few tips that will take the stress out of planning the fantastic, memorable event you’re dreaming about… because the real point of the holidays is truly enjoying the time with your loved ones.

1.  Use Personalized Party Supplies

Custom party decorations will make your celebration feel extra special – and even though it sounds like more work, there’s a way it can leave you with extra time to eat, drink and be merry! You can achieve the DIY look without actually having to do it. Choose one or two must-do crafts and then “cheat” with rest of the décor with products that just look DIY. This isn’t as expensive as it sounds – and it will look like a million bucks!

2.  Scout Out Décor

Take a walk around your house and see your home decorations in a new way. Maybe the candlesticks you have by the fireplace will make a great centerpiece – or the vase you tucked in the corner will make a great container for colorful candies. If you are still struggling to find fun pieces, don’t be afraid to call a friend and see what they have. You will be able to stay in your party budget and won’t have to store all of the decorations afterward.

3.  Easy Activities to Entertain Guests

You have everything planned out and on track for the perfect party – then BAM! the guests start to arrive and you are suddenly scrambling to get everyone introduced, dinner plated, and drinks poured. Giving your guests a simple and fun party activity will take the stress off you to break the ice so your event can run smoothly. A Gratitude Tree is the perfect choice for this time of year. Offer fun shaped cut-outs along with markers and some string. Then have guests write something they are thankful for and hang it on a twiggy tree. Everyone will enjoy reading them and you can even save them for upcoming years as you add to your tree of thanks.

4.  Plan to Prep Ahead

With the right menu, you will be able to prepare most of your event beforehand, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the day. Treat boxes and snack cups are easy to fill the morning of then place at the beverage bar for guests to enjoy. Favor boxes can double as table decor when you use them at each placesetting. Fill them ahead of time with delicious wrapped chocolates. Use a decadent dessert wine after dinner paired with the chocolates and you won’t have to worry about pies or cakes.

The number one rule of planning a memorable party is to have fun! When you celebrate with cherished friends and family, you are guaranteed a good time – no matter what. So relax and enjoy yourself. This really is the most wonderful time of the year (so don’t stress)!

ABOUT BIG DOT OF HAPPINESS

Big Dot of Happiness a one-stop party shop dedicated to making all of life’s occasions memorable. An in-house design team works hard to offer only the best party themes, complete with pre-made and do-it-yourself supplies so you can have the celebration of your dreams. The professional print team ensures even personalized party supplies ship within 24 hours of the order date. A custom party doesn’t have to be planned months in advance – just dot along with us and together we will make it happen! www.bigdotofhappiness.com

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My mom and dad are the force of reconciliation in our family.  I am not saying we squabble, or fight as siblings even after 50 years of life, but my parents keep us together with celebration, tradition and the importance of family. Today they are in their 80’s, and love to have “the family” over to their house for holidays, dinner, and conversation.  Because of this they have instilled an inherent quality in not only my brother and sister, but our spouses, and our kids (nieces and nephews), as well. 

When I was growing up, I remember going to “Family Reunions” in the Midwest, where everyone at the park, or the house was a relative.  I could never believe how many uncles, aunts, and cousins I had.  It seemed like a natural bond of love and caring that was unconditionally given by all.  It felt like a fraternity, or special club that I belonged to simply because I was part of the family.  I saw places where my dad used to play when he was a child, I saw the church my parents were married in and I slept in the basement of my granny’s house in the summer where my mom was raised.

So, why does it take holidays to bring the family together?  There are plenty of movies, and TV shows about the family getting together for holiday celebrations, from the dysfunctional, to the new loves, to the aging and dying.  For me, any of those shows can bring a tear to my eye, and smile to my cheek.

I believe in tradition, and celebration of family.  If it takes a holiday to get it done, then that is OK with me.  I can only thank my mom and dad for bringing us all together, teaching us about the importance of family, and instilling in us the desire to continue these traditions for our families and the generations to follow.

If you are reading this, and you were not raised in a family of tradition, holidays, and celebration, or you missed out for one reason or another, it is never too late to reignite the fire within.  Teach those around you, and start a fresh journey no matter what stage of life you are residing.

Happy Holidays! 

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Holidays are About Celebration, Tradition and Family appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.