One event that I really looked forward to and then thoroughly enjoyed was a Nutcracker Tea Party and Playdate that Allison and I put on for our girls. We have a wide circle of friends who have girls of this age, and it just seemed like fun to have a get together.
I honestly can't remember if we had the party set up before I found these terrific cupcake papers and toppers at T.J.Maxx or not, but I believe that we had. They sure were cute and made for a marvelous centerpiece and decoration for the festivities. The set included Clara, The Nutcracker, the Sugarplum Fairy and the Mouse King.
15 girls attended all dressed up in Christmas finery. Board games were the entertainment. I loved how they chose a game that everyone could play at once and the older girls took the lead in getting it organized.
We served some light refreshments which included peppermint tea that everyone wanted but no one drank!
Some of the Moms stayed and hung out with us in the kitchen. Many of us have known each other for years and most of the girls have known each other their whole lives.
The Dollar Store was a great place to find these colorful Nutcrackers and each girl took one home with her.
The leftover Nutcrackers were used to put on a play. The last girls at the party split into teams to put on the best play they could for the other team.
It wasn't until I got home from this wonderful day that I heard about the tragedy in Connecticut that had occurred that morning. That news was in such stark contrast to the magical, whimsical time that our girls had enjoyed.
There But for the Grace of God, Go I.
For all those children who are no more...
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. By the mercy of God let them rest in peace. May God have mercy on their parents' as well as they go through this time of year without them, not only this year, but for the rest of their own lives. Amen
