Christmas Party

[Blake Bowden]

Does your Lodge host a Christmas party? Joey brought up the idea a couple of weeks ago and I think it would go over well. Here are some thoughts we came up with:

1. Families invited
2. Lodge provides a meat, everyone bring a side
3. Setup a Christmas tree
4. Also, in the north side of our lodge room we have a huge wall with nothing on it. In the past, I've used it as a screen for presentations and it works really well for that purpose. I was thinking about setting it up so that the kids could watch Polar Express in 3D. We tried it last year at home and our friends LOVED IT! I also have a professional popcorn machine where we could make popcorn and we could serve drinks and hot chocolate(Theres a scene in the movie).
5. No gift exchange or anything
6. Bring games to play
7. Print out some songs to sing

That's where I'm at so far...lol. We're trying to come up with exciting events for our members. Any suggestions?

 

[Blake Bowden]

BTW if you haven't seen Polar Express...GO. We watch it every year at the Imax in 3D!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATUt_-p2XqM"]YouTube - The Polar Express - Trailer[/ame]

 

[JBD]

Does your Lodge host a Christmas party? Joey brought up the idea a couple of weeks ago and I think it would go over well. Here are some thoughts we came up with:

1. Families invited
2. Lodge provides a meat, everyone bring a side
3. Setup a Christmas tree
4. Also, in the north side of our lodge room we have a huge wall with nothing on it. In the past, I've used it as a screen for presentations and it works really well for that purpose. I was thinking about setting it up so that the kids could watch Polar Express in 3D. We tried it last year at home and our friends LOVED IT! I also have a professional popcorn machine where we could make popcorn and we could serve drinks and hot chocolate(Theres a scene in the movie).
5. No gift exchange or anything
6. Bring games to play
7. Print out some songs to sing

That's where I'm at so far...lol. We're trying to come up with exciting events for our members. Any suggestions?

We do every year - it is offsite, we sell tickets it is an adult function. Ticket prices are vastly subsidized - we want them to pay something so they are invested in the project.

1 - Family - no kids - teens OK
2 - Lodge Arranges everything - subsidy for meal cost (ticket price reduced)
3 - Whatever is at the selected Location (we have a few members who own eating establishments
4 - That sounds like fun for the kiddos - maybe we should get the DeMolay and Rainbow to watch the kids as a fundraiser while we are at dinner
5 - Correct - no gifts
6 - Ours is a dinner
7 - Don't even go there........we have one too many "good" singers in our Lodge.

We do a picnic at least once per year where the kids are invited. I like this idea though - may have to steal some of this

 

[ljlinson1206]

WOW, never though of that before. I'll have to bring that up to the mebers of my Lodge. Sounds like alot of fun. However, I would lean towards having it at the Lodge in order for the families to be a part of what we do. Just my opinion.

 

[Blake Bowden]

However, I would lean towards having it at the Lodge in order for the families to be a part of what we do. Just my opinion.

My thoughts exactly! The more our families are involved, the better. Back to the party. If you have Brothers of various denominations or beliefs, it could be a "Holiday Party" or something along those lines.

 

[fairbanks1363pm]

we do it and it is the funnest thing we do all year. my dad does a great impression of a very vibrant santa. the kids have a blast and so do the wifes. we give presents to the kids and in past times gifts for a charity. it was the kids at the masonic home. last year we did a coat drive.

 

[Hippie19950]

I like this idea. I have been looking for things to bring up, and get more activity. Many in our Lodge are older, but the have Grandkids!! I see Brother LJ has already read this, and is going to make the presentation at our NEXT meeting (right?), so I let him do it. I too think anything we can do to have the family involved is great. I do notice in some Lodges, there are those who do not want it opened to family or outsiders if it can be avoided, anyone else see this anywhere? Not looking for exact names, but I don't understand the reasoning, unless it is a carry over from days past. Bro. Blake, I found the place to make changes. I sent you a PM about it last night. Got it done.

 

[Bro. Stewart P.M.]

We host a Christmas Party every year for the Family members of the Lodge (including children). A local church is kind enough to allow us to use their enormus dining hall and kitchen facilities each year for the event. There is no charge for the meal; the Lodge provides the meat (usually ham) and is included in our yearly Stewards budget. The attendees are asked to bring a side dish to go with the meat.

After the meal, Santa comes to visit the children & brings them each a small gift allong with the area available widows. Christmas carols are generally sung to close out the event.

A good time is generally had by all!

 

[pha]

Lyons Jr #290 PHA host what we call an after Christmas affair every DEC 27th celebrating St John the Evangelist Day and make small short speechesillars: honoring our older Mason's or their widow's, we give out door prizes serve food buffet style and give special gift's to deserving brothers that have really put in a lot of work during the year.