It's officially the holiday season, which means every social event from now until January 1st is holiday themed (and I'm not complaining!) Whether your December book club's book pick is holiday themed or not, here are 5 ways to make this month's book club a little more festive.
1. Organize a Gift Exchange
Nothing says holiday spirit like gift-giving! Easily assign secret partners using DrawName's Secret Santa Generator. Simply put in everyone's contact information and the online generator will assign names and notify each person via text or email. For added fun, play white elephant which involves opening one gift at a time, allowing other members a chance to steal. Don't forget to set a price limit so everyone's gift is of similar value.
2. Give Back to the Community
Plan a group activity focused on giving back to those in need. This can be in the form of a food or clothing drive for a local shelter or, for added festivity, making holiday cards for children in hospitals that can't be home for the holidays. Call your local hospital to see how to drop off cards or use this guide of national charities that will distribute your cards to hospitals nationwide during the holiday season. Need inspiration for DIY holiday cards? Check out unique card ideas here.
3. Christmas Cookie Swap
Baking Christmas cookies is one of my favorite activities! However, while I love buckeyes, I can only eat 3 or 4 before the giant tin of 35 looking back at me becomes more like a Halloween nightmare! Encourage each member of your book club to make their favorite Christmas treat. Provide festive bags (like this one!) for take-home care packages for everyone to take home an array of goodies.
4. Dress to Impress
I love a good tacky Christmas sweater and have one reserved in my closet for this very specific occasion, patiently waiting to make its annual debut. This year, mix it up by dressing up as your favorite holiday movie character (Hello Cindy Loo Hoo and Clarice) instead! If your book club is more glam, dress in festive sparkles and enjoy champagne cocktails.
5. Share Books
The hardest part about Book Club is picking a book that everyone hasn't already read. My heart sinks a little when I offer a book suggestion and three people have already read it (and claim it's "Oh my gosh! So wonderful!"), but it's off the table for book club because the majority of our members are power readers that started their reading obsession way sooner in life than I did! For December's book club, invite every member to bring a book from home to swap. Lay all the books on a table and draw numbers for selection order. Don't forget to add a Book Club Card!