I like a holiday party with a purpose

I love the holidays! Festive, cheerful greetings all around. Fun times with friends and family. Landing on the perfect gift for each special person. Baking Christmas treats.

 Of course, each year I try to hit a personal best for hosting the holiday party to end all holiday parties. I guess it’s in my blood since I’m all about events, 24/7. This time of year, it’s my turn to entertain the people I love and care about after a full year of planning events for my clients. (Who, by the way, have become my friends, too, and they’re all invited.)

 There are the traditional menu items that my loved ones always expect – buche de noel, Grandma’s lasagna and goat-cheese-tomato-garlic-toast appetizer. There’s the graffiti-walled powder room that guests are invited to personalize. And somehow the number of outdoor lights increases year after year.

 But my favorite holiday party tradition is giving our party a purpose. Just as the number of lights around the house grows each year, so does the list of causes that we love to support. The “admission ticket” to my party is a contribution to our giving campaign – food pantry and winter coat donations, gift bags for group home residents, and this year we have started a ‘Community Chest’ where we donate unopened gifts we have received over the course of the year. The giving options are varied enough for everyone to find something to feel good about. It’s my way of paying forward the abundance of love that I get to enjoy at this time of year.

 Oh, and, I’ll take my shot at giving a promo for the travel industry. For those who prefer to get away from it all, or just the snow, try a destination celebration. There’s still time to check out Sky Travel’s 10 best value holiday destinations. And quirky travel site Lonely Planet helps you make new memories with their 27 Travel Tips.

 Whatever celebration style you choose, I hope your holiday season finds you feeling joyful and thankful. I’ll be grateful that It’s a Wonderful Life as we enjoy a White Christmas together, sing A Christmas Carol and expect our own Miracle on 34^th (er... 5^th) Street. Mr. Grinch need not attend!

 Please join me in spreading some love and joy this holiday season!

Mary