Between the ages of three and eleven, I attended a school for the blind. Although they accepted boarders, I was grateful not to be one of them because it was close to our home. However, there was one night every year on which I got to see how the other half lived. That was the night of the big school Christmas party.
The excitement grew throughout the day until we were fit to burst. We could barely focus on our lessons as we talked non-stop about the food, the games, and the annual visit from Father Christmas.
WE huddled in groups after the school day was over, wishing we could speed up time until we were finally permitted to change out of our uniforms into our specially selected party clothes. One year, my mother made me a blue and white satin dress with a net underskirt. I wore it for the first time at the party, and it made me more hesitant to lie on the floor for games like Sleeping Lions. I didn’t want to get it dirty.
We ate the festive tea in the dining-room, seated at long tables with Christmas crackers to pull and party hats that slid down over our eyes. There were sandwiches, sausage rolls, and daintily iced sponge cakes.
Having eaten our fill, we moved into an area affectionately known as the open space, where we played games, danced to party music under twinkling lights, and waited for the man in red. They were simple parties by modern standards, but to us, they were the highlight of the school year.
I also looked forward to our chapel Sunday school party, but that took place in early January, prolonging our Christmas celebrations. This time, it wasn’t the food or the games that grabbed me, but our visit from an amazing Christian children’s entertainer who brought the Bible to life through fun and music.
Christmas is a great time to pull out the sparkly outfits, gather together with friends, and celebrate. You don’t have to eat or drink too much to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Even Jesus enjoyed a party. After all, he performed his first miracle at a wedding. And the Jewish calinda is full of feasts. So gather your friends together, whether in large groups or small, break open a box of biscuits and some posh hot chocolate or a bottle of wine, and have a party.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to celebrate with friends. Help us to include others in our fun, and to ensure no one is left out.
Song: Come and Join the Celebration
Scriptures to Ponder
Philippians 4: 4: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
Psalm 118: 24: “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”