5 Ways to Make Your Child's First Holy Communion Party Memmorable
First Holy Communion is an important milestone for so many children, and it is easy to see why parents are eager to gather family and friends to celebrate with them. It is a special day that your child will remember forever! Let’s look at why this event is so special, and how your celebration of it can make it even more memorable.
In several Christian denominations, First Holy Communion marks one of the first steps in a child’s faith journey. It follows baptism, where a child is accepted into the denomination as a member. First Communion indicates that the child has matured enough to understand what it means to participate in this particular sacrament of the church and can begin to worship in a more “adult” manner. It is a precursor to the next step on the child’s faith journey—which is Confirmation, where he or she affirms their faith and is recognized as a full member of the church. Those making their First Holy Communion typically receive religious education instruction, preparing them in their understanding of what it means to receive the Eucharist, and to be in communion with their fellow worshippers. Parents are also involved in preparing the child for this day, making sure that their son or daughter realizes the solemnity and responsibility that accompanies participating more fully in their faith. Thus, parents not only have to prepare their child for this rite, but then plan and prepare how to mark the occasion in celebration with friends and family.
To make that planning and preparation of your family celebration a bit easier, here are five tips for celebrating your child’s First Holy Communion:
1. Set up a special photo table devoted to your child, highlighting their growth from baptism to communion. You can display photos from their baptism, school pictures, and pictures from any activity they participate in. You may even want to display their baptismal outfit, if you still have it. You can even include a framed print-out of your child’s favorite prayer.
2. Don’t forget to have a guest book. Be sure to encourage your guests to write a special message to your child. He or she will enjoy reading what their family friends and relatives have written to them, and it will serve as a keepsake long after the day has concluded.
3. Include kid-friendly activities. While the grown-ups will be more interested in catching up with you and your other guests, the child you’re celebrating will need something to keep him or her and any other little ones occupied. Activities such as religious-themed coloring pages and word searches will give them something todo while the adults eat and chat. A scavenger hunt or a simple (non-messy) craft project would also be appropriate.
4. When planning your menu, be sure to include a few kid-friendly foods as well. Whether you’re hosting an after-service brunch, a barbecue in the backyard, or a meal at a restaurant, plan on having some items that the ‘littles’ enjoy. Chicken fingers, mac and cheese, sliders and French fries are sure to please; healthier options might include “ants on a log”—celery stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese and topped with raisins, fruits with a yogurt-based dipping sauce, or sliced veggies with ranch dip. Feel free to cut the fruit or veg into fun shapes!
5. Give your guests a party favor to take home. Party favors can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. You can give guests an edible—like Jordan almonds or chocolates. Bookmarks with your child’s favorite Bible verse, cross or angel charms or keychains can all serve as unique keepsakes. Consider a packet of seeds! Every time your guest looks at his or her plant, it can be a special reminder of your gathering.
No matter what type of party you choose to host—casual or formal, at-home or at a venue—it is important to remember that the focus is on your child and on your faith. Your celebration can be fun and memorable, but also meaningful. You and your child will look back on the entire day and feel gratitude for the love of family and friends, appreciation for physical and spiritual growth, and true ‘communion’ with those you love.
Feeling overwhelmed with the details of such an important milestone? Let ChoreVoyant assist you with the set-up, serving, and clean-up! ChoreVoyant handles the details of your celebration, so that you can enjoy the day with your loved ones. Click here to reserve your complimentary consultation.
