It's always a good thing when families can enjoy outings together.

Christmas play or concert. That's because amateur actors, singers and budding

musicians in their neighborhood will usually take part in several Christmas

performances for local residents. These amateur but entertaining events can be

found at local schools, churches or at a community theater or performance

center.

It's very popular for those groups to stage performances of the Nativity

story, or other Christmas related works such as 'A Christmas Carol.' churches

and school groups may even have a complete concert series that includes a full-

length production of a play along with choirs, soloists and the band singing

Christmas carols and other Christmas songs.

What makes local Christmas performances special is that members of the

community and maybe even of your own household can be among the entertainers.

It is therefore special to see familiar faces doing something interesting and

different. For those who are budget-conscious, the performances are usually

priced to be very affordable, therefore offering an economic incentive to go out

and have an enjoyable afternoon or evening.

Those people who are lovers of the arts and who are more interested in

seeing a professional performance will likely also have a professional

theatrical company within reasonable proximity of their residence. Professional

groups may also perform Christmas classics such as 'A Christmas Carol' or they

may do another dramatic production from the works of other playwrights.

Music lovers also have a variety of performances to enjoy at Christmas

time. While one can always catch various groups singing carols in downtown areas

or at malls, there are other places to hear rich, melodious performances of

Christmas music. These include concerts by acclaimed or recognized

conservatories, orchestras, symphonies and renowned choir groups.

The beauty of hearing Christmas music by these groups is in the accompaniment of

instruments and the harmonious blending of voices, which all happens in a venue

that has acoustic features to optimize the auditory pleasure of the

performances. The different components that together make the whole performance

offers a richer quality to Christmas songs and carols that may be described as

'sounding heavenly.'

Another popular artistic performance that is popular during the Christmas season

is classical dance in the form of ballet, and particularly the performance of

the 'Nutcracker' ballet. With music written by Tchaikovsky, the story is about

a young girl who has a dream on Christmas Eve of a Nutcracker Prince and a

fierce battle with a Mouse King that has seven heads. After a fierce battle

between the Nutcracker, who leads an army of toy soldiers, and the Mouse King

who leads an army of mice, the Nutcracker is captured. But the little girl

throws her slipper at the Mouse King, hits him in the head and kills him. In the

end, the Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes the little girl to the magical

and enchanting Land of Snow with dancing snowflakes and the Land of Sweets with

the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Attending Christmas plays, concerts or musical performances serves the basic

purpose of providing enjoyment, but it can also help young people, and even

adults, to develop an appreciation for the arts. Seeing different variations and

the creativity in performances of Christmas plays, as well as hearing different

renditions of Christmas songs, can be the first exposure that leads to a

lifelong love of the arts and maybe a dream to pursue a career in the arts.

It can be very satisfying to cater to friends, families and loved ones

and arrangement of decoration that is attractive and has themes for the

holidays. It's also important to make a note of how much, if any, help will be

available from friends or family members.

A formal Christmas party likely would include a small number of people -

not more than 12 and likely fewer - who would be seated at a table for the

duration of the meal. It means that place settings and seating have to be done

and a decision made on whether the meal will be a three- or four-course dinner.

The advantage of a formal dinner is that it is very organized, it has a

known content and everyone around the table usually engages in pleasant

conversation. It also usually provides a good opportunity to get to know and

hear from everyone present without having to initiate any small talk, which some

people are not comfortable doing.

As the host of a formal dinner, you will also have the responsibility of

keeping the meal flowing smoothly by having each course brought out at the

perfect timing and to also be aware of any special needs that a guest may have.

In contrast, an informal Christmas party at home is organized in a

different manner and does not have the predictability of a formal one. The fun

and festive spirit of an informal holiday party comes from groups of people who

mill around, move about freely to have conversations, laugh and enjoy munching

on Christmas treats, goodies and other foods.

Despite the easy, fun-filled atmosphere, it is necessary to plan the use of

space and to think about the area that people will use or wander around. Making

such a plan will facilitate contact between partygoers so that the party spirit

will pervade everywhere and put participants in a livelier mood.

Another consideration to make for an informal Christmas party among friends and

family is if children will be present and about their ages, if they are allowed

to attend. Children, even older ones, always need careful supervision. If

children are going to attend a holiday party at home, arrangements should be

made for adequate supervision of them and special activities should also be

provided that can occupy their attention.

An important feature that must be a part of a festive Christmas party at home is

the right mix of music. In selecting Christmas music, consideration should be

given to what will be played at the start of the party as guests are welcomed

and introduced to each other, the songs that can be played later to inject or

enhance liveliness and later to create the right mood as the partygoers bid

farewell with 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays.'

Along with the music, Christmas decorations and even the food can also help to

enliven a Christmas party at home. Food that is interesting because it looks

'pretty' due to the color palette of items, infuses a mellow feeling among

guests and adds an intangible element to the level of enjoyment and excitement

of the partygoers.

Christmas parties at home can also be personalized with special cookies, treats

and dishes that are ethnic. The presence of some ethnic food, but not an

overwhelming quantity, which isn't frequently enjoyed by guests will be

different and will add something that is unique to the host. And that is a part

of what a Christmas or holiday party at home is about. It's to entertain family,

friends and acquaintances with a personal style while all enjoy some merriment

in the season of goodwill and good cheer.