Annual Family Christmas Party: Pajamas and Pancakes.

Well, we did it again.  Another year in the books.  And this was likely one of my most favourite years to do it probably because our children were very excited and kept asking how much longer till their Christmas party.  

For the past number of years (I think it's been 4 or 5) we have hosted a Family Christmas Party for our (and our kid's) friends and families.  This was our largest year yet - a whopping total of 61 people in our home.  It was a busy 2.5 hours!  We set up different "areas" for people to go to and parents just headed with their kids whenever they pleased.  

My scrapbook/craft room became the painting craft room.  Various crafts were set out for the kids to do (I think Falon had a total of 4 going at once).  

Each year we have done an ornament exchange, where the kids come with a wrapped ornament and after passing it to the left multiple times, they get to open a new ornament that they get to keep.  Apparently, according to a few moms this is a large highlight of the kids!  

Santa and Mrs Clause showed up....and they did a fabulous job!  

Quinn's expression was THE BEST! 

My mom manned the cookie decorating station (thanks mom!).  

Santa got a little frisky with Mrs Clause :) 

We served breakfast at noon - pancakes, sausages, fruit, hot chocolate, and juice boxes.  

Just having a little visiting with Mrs Clause.  

Once most activities were completed, we headed back downstairs where Mrs Clause read a Christmas story, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus (since that is the real reason why we celebrate Christmas!), and then goodie bags were handed out.  

This is what 37 children look like.  

Even Diamond got in on the action. 

Present opening.  

And to give credit where credit is completely due...I could not pull these parties off each year without this special friend.  She manages the downstairs craft area like a champ and pro and we make an awesome team!  Thanks for being willing to help every year!  Love you friend!  

I also couldn't pull the parties off without my hubby and his helpers in the kitchen (thanks Drew and mom!).  Hosting parties is more up my alley than his, but he does it without complaining.  I didn't get any pictures this year of the kitchen, but they were a well oiled machine making pancakes for 61 people!