Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

When I was a teenager, I got invited to my first Christmas ornament exchange. My Sunday School teacher was very creative and wanted a special party for our class.

All dressed up, my friend and I went together with our new ornaments purchased and wrapped. Feeling all grown up, I remember unwrapping the red and green striped paper to reveal a shiny gold sleigh ride ornament.

Though I did not have a Christmas tree in my room, we had a family tree where I proudly displayed my new ornament. Today, that ornament is no longer bright and shiny, but I still proudly hang in on my tree year after year.

My Favorite Ornament Exchange

Since my first ornament exchange, I have attended a number of parties that included an ornament exchange.

My favorite exchange occurred with my roommates in college. After purchasing and wrapping ornaments for each other, we met for the campus lighting ceremony complete with singing Christmas carols. Then we headed out to dinner and exchanged our ornaments over dessert.

We took turns giving our ornaments to each other. When we got back to our dorm room, we decorated our Christmas tree with our new ornaments. This ornament exchange holds a special place in my heart as the experience brings back fond memories with special friends.

Options for Your Ornament Exchange

As you plan your holiday festivities, an ornament exchange offers an opportunity for making special memories. You can allow one participate to gift her ornament. Then the one gifted, chooses another participant to give her wrapped gift until all have a new ornament.

Another option is to turn the ornament exchange into a game where all the ornaments are put together. Then numbers are drawn. When it is your turn, you may either choose from the group or “steal” from one that already opened an ornament you want.

In using time wisely this holiday season, an ornament exchange requires little planning with lots of fun, laughs, and memories. If you need (or want) a reason to party, consider an ornament exchange or a cookie exchange. Both include seasonal items to make the gathering fun for adults, teenagers, and children. Enjoy this Christmas season with those you love. Happy planning!

Question: What gatherings are you planning this holiday season?