Many people’s favorite part of the holidays is “the feeling”, that unique wintry spirit of joy and fun. There is no better way to celebrate that feeling  than with a party. Some readers suggested individual activities like Pin the Tail on the Reindeer or drinking eggnog. Here are some ideas for an entire holiday extravaganza.

Holiday Movie Marathon

A perfect movie marathon consists of a bunch of fun and upbeat movies that never get old. We took a poll and found that the top holiday movie was Elf, with Home Alone coming at a close second. Other classics include The Polar Express, A Christmas Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life, Love Actually and The Santa Clause. Grab some popcorn and cookies, and settle down for a night full of cheer!

Cookie Baking Party

“I like making cookies and spending time with friends,” Lizzie Marks says. You too can gather five or more friends and a heap of baking supplies and cookie cutters. Try one recipe that everyone helps with or a competition for who is the best holiday baker, and play some holiday tunes while the cookies are in the oven. Below is a recipe suggestion for a holiday cookie without dairy, so that you can be healthier while eating a dozen cookies!

Gingerbread Cutout Cookies

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger

¼ tsp. allspice

¼ tsp. salt

⅓ cup vegetable shortening

¼ cup sugar

⅓ cup molasses

2 ¼ tbsp. hot water

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar with fork. Stir in molasses, hot water, and vanilla with large spoon. Stir in flour mixture until smooth, 1 minute.

Cover dough. Chill 2 to 4 hours.

On lightly floured surface, roll out dough. Cut out shapes. Bake on cookie sheet in 400F oven 8 to 10 minutes, depending on size. Cool on the baking sheet and decorate!