Polar Express

After a year of planning (he decided on this theme as we finished his party last year), the night finally arrived.

I sent out an invite asking the kids to come in their pajamas to watch the Polar Express in 3D. We cleared away the coffee table and put out some blankets and pillows for them to lounge on the floor and couch. They all arrived and quickly took their seats as the movie began. They were a little loud at first and kept asking me to turn it up. I told them that if they would be quiet, they would be able to hear it better, too! Did I mention that it was 23 kids ages 5-8? So, you can imagine the noise level. During the movie scene where hot chocolate is served on the train, we also served the kids hot chocolate and popcorn.

Towards the end of the movie, the kids were getting restless, so I made a call to the North Pole (aka my neighbor's house) and spoke to the jolly man himself (aka my neighbor's dad) and told him he could come earlier than originally planned! At this point, I was needing some peppermint schnapps for my hot chocolate!!! Did I mention that it was 23 kids ages 5-8? He snuck in and took a seat as I rang his sleigh bells to get the kids attention. They all ran into the living room to find Santa sitting right there! We let each child sit on his lap and tell him their wishes for Christmas. He then gave each one a silver bell (just like in the book/movie) and had them shake it to see if they heard anything. If they did, that MUST mean that they BELIEVE in the Magic of Christmas!

My brother told me after the party, that he overheard Max tell one of his friends, "I can't believe that Santa came to my birthday party!" That comment right there (even though I didn't hear it first hand) made all the planning and stress totally worth it!

After each child spoke to the man in red, they made their way into the kitchen and we sang Happy Birthday and served the most beautiful and tasty cake! My best friend had done it again! She is so talented and I was very pleased with the design!

When it was all said and done and the kids had all left, it was a huge success! My son loved it, the kids had a great time, the other parents were nothing but complimentary, and it was OVER! Did I mention that it was 23 kids ages 5-8?!

At the end of the party, he hugged me and told me that it was the best party ever, and when we asked him what his favorite part of the movie was, he said, "All of it!"

Now it was time for a drink! Next year....I will NOT be doing a home party!