Northside Friends Meeting held its annual holiday party December 13, for the very first time on a Saturday morning.
“It was a blast,” says Susanne Ruch, “And its success bodes well for a change in NFM tradition, with a move to a Saturday celebration instead of a post-worship affair on a Sunday.”
A toddlin’ time at the holiday party!
Planners from the Northside Friends Community Inreach Committee surveyed families with wee ones about timing that would work around nap schedules, and a 10-am-to-noon timeframe seemed the best.
“Everyone got a kick out of the crawlers, toddlers, and young kiddos who joined in the fun,” says Suzanne.
Children enjoyed joining in the music with a selection of percussion instruments.
This included music, social activities, games and plenty of scrumptious potluck treats. Eva and Kathryn created a "getting to know you" scavenger hunt with adult and child versions. Adam provided all the necessities for cookie decorating that kids and adults enjoyed.
Cookie decoration was fun and the results were irresistible!
Northsiders brought guitars, ukeleles, and a lone violin; the Robinwhites brought a box full of rhythm instruments that the kids just loved. Newcomers Josh and Sadie kept things humming with Josh's expertise on the guitar and violin and many voices filled the room with Christmas carols.
“The place was packed,” says Suzanne. “Lots of folks stayed for the full two hours and all left in high spirits.” (All photos provided by Atma.)