Holiday Birthday Extravaganza  - For my son Benjamin's December birthday party this past year, we decided to go with a holiday theme. Even though he is nine years old, both the adults and children had a great time! For the party invitations, we purchased holiday computer paper with a large face of Santa Clause at the top. We printed out the invitation in red letters on what was Santa's beard. We then purchased green envelopes and used a candy cane stamp to stamp red candy canes on the outside.  Next, we addressed each child's invitation using a red paint pen to create fiddlystx type letters.  For party decorations, we used the basic holiday decorations already in place. We did add additional decorations to the kitchen/breakfast room area where the main portion of the party occurred.  I added festive red and green decorations in this area along with plastic candy decorations to follow through with our theme.  Food for the party consisted of all his favorite party foods: cocktail sausages in barbecue sauce, chips and dip, finger sandwiches, Mexican dip with nachos, and mini meatballs. We basically left the food out on the bar where everyone could nibble throughout the party. For drinks we served "Santa Juice" in Santa Clause cups. "Santa Juice" consists of one bottle of 7UP or Sprite, one carton of Raspberry sherbet, and one can of frozen lemonade (no water added). Just mix and serve, no ice needed!!! This looks great in a clear punch bowl.  The cake was created using the Wilton Santa Claus face cake pan. We place plastic craft glasses on the cake for Santa's glasses, and this really added a nice touch. For party games, we played "Pass the Candy Cane". This is played like musical chairs, except the children pass a large candy cane until the music stops.  The person with the candy cane when the music ends gets to keep it.  The children wanted to play this over and over. (Even the twelve year olds!) We also played "Pin the Nose on the Reindeer". I created a large Rudolph face on heavy posterboard. For the noses, I used large red pompoms with sticky adhesive on the back.      We also created crafts at the party. Each child made candy cane reindeer using a candy cane, brown pipecleaners, wiggly eyes, and a small red pompom nose.  Adults helped glue the parts on using low temperature glue guns.  Gingerbread houses were also created from graham crackers, gum drops, and peppermint candies.   Throughout the party, we played Christmas music.  At the end, we watched "The Santa Claus" and had hot chocolate. The birthday boy opened his presents in front of the Christmas tree, which also made for great photos!  Each guest received a holiday treat bag (created using white craft bags and holiday stamps) containing a plastic Santa cup (4 for a dollar at the local variety store), hot chocolate mix, Christmas pencils and erasers, Christmas candies, and a holiday coloring book (three for a dollar at the local dollar store). (We also personalized each bag with the child's name so none of the usual arguing occurred!)  I have three children and have thrown many a birthday party, but I do have to say this was one of my favorites. We are still receiving compliments about the party from both young and old partygoers. The party was rather lengthy (from about 5 - 8:30 p.m.), but we were busy the entire time!  The great thing about this party is that it enable other parents to get out and get holiday shopping done without the children.  If you wanted to shorten the length of the party, omit the movie and some of the craft activities. We had guests from the age of 2 to 78, and everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best parties we have ever had!