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Christmas Wrap-Up

As Christmas approaches, everybody seems to be in a crunch to get presents wrapped and cards signed and addressed. Use this opportunity to gather with neighbors and get the job done together.

Invite neighbors with a simple phone call or hand-delivered note, informing them of the party’s time and date. Let them know you will supply wrapping paper, tape, and scissors.

On the day of the party, prepare a table with gift-wrapping supplies. Have coffee, tea, or hot cider and a light snack to serve your guests. Play some soft Christmas music in the background for a festive atmosphere.

Helpful hint: Have some fancy pens, bows, ribbons, and other decorations available for guests to give their cards and gifts an extra-special touch.

Facilitate an inexpensive gift exchange during your party. Set a $5 limit. Ornaments, candles, lotions, or coffee mugs are some examples of things most people enjoy. For the exchange, give each person a number to hold and a different number to put on the gift. Then have each person find the gift that matches his or her number.

Instant Intentions

Sometime during the party, ask your guests to share how they celebrate Christmas. Be ready to share how you celebrate – with the focus on Jesus.

- From the book, Field Guide to Neighborhood Outreach by Group Publishing, 2007.

Note: In finding Christmas music to create a cozy atmosphere, don’t forget about the many CDs available at your local library – you can find a variety of artists to cast their Christmas spell – for free! A way to extend this party idea would be to follow the gift-wrapping with a holiday movie classic, such as White Christmas or Miracle on 34th Street. You could also make this activity more mission-minded by having each guest wrap a gift for Immanuel’s Giving Tree project (you could opt to purchase the gifts for this project first, or ask guests to contribute if they’d like). – Lisa Jaeger