Christmas Parties at Work

No. I'm not talking about the lampshade drunk...who slept with who in the front closet...boss promises everyone a raise kind of parties. I'm talking the little kids bringing in TONS of sugary treats and sipping juice boxes as you watch your students socialize and remember that they're only little kids who really do incredible things.

Today is my Beginner Band party. At Christmas I only throw them a party because the Middle School goes on a trip and has an entire non-class day devoted to activities and parties. The beginners at Christmas are only the 5th graders, they are all about 9 or 10, and I forget as a band director how cute they can be when I'm not begging them to spend more time practicing.

I only had 1 student bring in juice packs and a tray of cookies though, and although this would be enough for every student to have 2 cookies and 1 juice pack...that's not enough for all of their hard work in my eyes. So what do I do? Run to the grocery store and buy $35 worth of crap. Iced cookies...mini cupcakes. and extra 2 packs of juice boxes (I've finally learned these are the best option when having a little kid party...less mess and everyone has the same amount!) I'm hoping a few of them show up with some goodies. And I always feel bad that I can't afford to get them all presents. My paycheck here isn't big and I'm barely making my credit card bills lately especially after my recent car repairs and accident after the repairs. I'd love to get them all ornaments and decorate them...but who has the time at this time of the year to decorate 30 ornaments for kids who will probably forget who their music teacher is in ten years...or maybe the ornament is how they'd remember. I don't know.

The problem is....there are SOOOO many of these little christmas parties going on throughout the building in the next couple of days that it almost loses its charm AND it causes a weight gain of an immediate 4 pounds...SO many leftovers tossed n the faculty room that everytime you go to the bathroom you leave with a cookie or a piece of cake...yes its a matter of willpower...but its also the holidays and one last sugar cookie with peppermint icing wouldn't KILL ME! right?!?!?!

Anywho...I'll be attending a small soiree with dome real cuties in a few minutes so please excuse me...the conversations are always hysterical...I'll try to remember a few to post.