Christmas Pretend Sleepover, 5yr My daughter's birthday is December 20. This past year we opted not to worry about the hurried holiday schedule and just go with a party the Friday prior (also the day that school let out for the winter break.) This evening time worked out great for folks that wanted to shop or run errands and we provided dinner. Invitations went out on holiday stationary. "Twas the Night Before XXX Birthday and all through the house, not a creature... " was re-written to provide details for the evening's activities. About eight girls arrived in pajamas w/their favorite stuffed animal. They decorated a Christmas ornament with jewels while I set the table with pre-made pancakes, sausages, hot chocolate (multi-colored marshmallows), strawberries and such. While the house was decorated for Christmas, we used my daughter's favorite colors for the table decor -- pinks, greens, flowers. Also before breakfast/dinner, the girls had open access to the dress up trunk and several rolls of toilet paper. My husband volunteered to be a snowman in need of dressing up. The girls wrapped him in toilet paper and then proceeded to dress the snowman in silly dress-up clothes (boas, hats, etc.). Breakfast was served, holiday music was playing and then... there was a knock on the door from SANTA! We borrowed a suit from a friend and a kind neighbor dressed and played the part. It was a nice scene having Santa sit by the fire with the girls sitting at his feet in their winter pjs/stuffed animals. He read them a story and talked about the real meaning of the season. He gave the girls a candy cane and hugs and then left us to open my daughter's birthday presents. The time went by very fast and as the parents picked up their girls, they were each given a Christmas purse/tote (at this time of year, these are discounted), holiday bracelet and their ornament. (all items were bought throughout the year at discount opportunities...) And it was nice to be able to give our guests a Christmas present that they could use/wear during the season. It was nice to have a small group of girls. They all played nicely and it made for a very memorable time. Often with a December birthday, the holidays seem so rushed. It was nice to add an activity to the calendar that not only provided a birthday celebration, but provided a simple evening of fun and reflection for the holiday season. ... and to all a good night!