Hosting a Carols by the Fire Christmas Party in Your Backyard

Looking for that perfect Christmas party that will rival last year's and become the envy of the entire neighborhood? Then why not host a Carols by the Fire Backyard Christmas party? Trust me, it's simpler than it sounds and may wind up becoming an annual holiday family tradition!

1. Check out the Campfire/Bonfire Protocols in your Neighborhood

First things first. If you live in a neighborhood or county where permission in writing is required before the outdoor burning of any firewood can take place, seek out the necessary neighborhood administration board or city/county offices. After all, what's the point of having a roaring campfire if the local law enforcement shows up halfway through to shut you down?

Secondly, you will want to be certain you and/or other guests in attendance are able to safely start and maintain such a campfire or bonfire. This is particularly important when smaller children are in attendance. At no time should you allow any young children to play near the bonfire unmonitored. If you plan to roast marshmallows, be certain someone will be able to assist children who wish to do so.

2. Check the Weather well in Advance

At least a week prior to the date of your Christmas Caroling by the Fire party, keep an eye on your local weather channel/web sites to be certain you will not be rained or snowed out. If you live in a northern state where freezing temperatures are a factor, you'll certainly want to keep an eye on this as well. Remind guests to bundle up and wear thick layers.

3. Have Guests Bring Holiday Snacks, Desserts & Treats

No Christmas party is complete without some sugary sweets. Holiday trays full of Christmas cookies, brownies, cake, etc. will make for fun outdoor eating around the fire. If a cold night is in the forecast, make sure you serve plenty of hot coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate, etc. to keep your guests roasty toasty warm by the fire.

4. Invite Musicians/Singers to Lead in some Christmas Carols

If you have connections and/or friendships with some talented guitarists, singers, etc., perhaps through your church, invite them to attend the party and request their musical services in leading some outdoor Christmas songs. Be certain you plan for the musical portion of the party to take place early in the evening, so as not to disturb neighbors who may be trying to sleep.

If, however, live music is not in your cards, singing traditional Christmas carols a cappella is always an enjoyable fireside activity. In fact, singing a cappella Christmas music should be a part of your fireside caroling, with or without live musicians. You may want to take song requests from guests in attendance during the music portion of the party.

5. Print up a few Lyric Song Sheets

If you'll be singing a wide array of traditional and even less well known Christmas carols and songs, you may want to take the time to type out and print up the lyrics for everyone. These handouts will serve to keep your singers and guests on the same page in terms of song order and wording. After all, there's nothing worse than mass directional confusion in the midst of a song. Make sure everyone knows what they are singing and where the song is going!

6. Pause for a Time of Christmas Memories Sharing

While you have your family and friends circled around your campfire/bonfire, under the blanket of a starry night sky, you may want to pause the music and ask people to share their favorite memories of Christmases past. Rather than go in any consecutive order, let the stories flow in popcorn style. This can be a fun activity and you never know where these stories may end up. If you're group is diverse enough, you'll likely encounter some humor, sadness, excitement and maybe even a little spookiness throughout your Christmas memory stories. See where it takes you!

If a backyard Christmas Carols by the Fire party sounds like fun to you, why not give it a try this year? You may wind up starting a whole new family tradition while creating some memories that will last a lifetime! Just be sure to tell Uncle Ed to stay away from the campfire after he's had more than three mugs of Aunt Mable's "special" apple cider. Enjoy your fireside Christmas carols!