Holiday Sweator Contest

 My SilverSneakers group always has a Holiday Party/Potluck in December.  I usually provide the ham or sometimes a class member wants to help by bringing a cooked ham.  Then all everybody else has to bring is the sides or desserts - Pretty easy! 

We usually play a gift exchange game called Dirty Santa (See Dec. 8, 2011 blog for full details).
 This year we added a Holiday Sweater Contest.  I gave a prize for the Most Beautiful Sweater and for the Most Outrageous Sweater!  We had some really fun entries!  Of course, I mentioned that it could be a decorated t-shirt and didn't have to be Christmas!

The party gets bigger every year!  Some of the participants tell me that it is the highlight of their holidays! 

Note:  This brings me to something I wanted to mention.  I try to hold as many of our classes as possible, even during the holidays.  Our classes help to get participants out of the house and around friends.  This can sometimes be a lonely time of year for those who have lost spouses or don't live close to loved ones.  Having something to do helps them to cope with the depression they may be fighting.

Remember When?

Let class participants share holiday memories.  Here are a few questions to get them started:

     What is your first Christmas memory?
     Do you remember a favorite gift or your biggest surprise?
     Do you have a tradition you would like to share?
     How did you decorate your tree?
     What did you want your children to remember about the holidays?
     Do you have a holiday treat you like to make each year?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!