Now that Thanksgiving is over, everyone in America is focusing on the holiday season. The only thing better than the presents we will soon get are the parties we will have. Here are a few ideas on how to throw an amazing holiday party.

First, and most importantly, everyone must dress up. Costume parties are the best because peoples’ true personalities show. One great costume theme I see every year is the Christmas sweater theme. All attendants put on the best Christmas sweater they can find from thrift stores or senile grandmothers. The bright colors and tacky designs provide a festive environment. Other typical costumes for holiday parties are Santa Claus, slutty Mrs. Claus, Hasidic Jew, Christmas tree, elf, Scrooge, Frosty the Snowman, the Little Drummer Boy or a reindeer. Funny holiday shirts and accessories are also much appreciated. The best accessory I’ve worn is a mistletoe belt buckle. Feel free to give it a try and see what kind of reactions you get – it may even work.

Next, you must get holiday-themed booze. Eggnog is one of my favorite things about the holidays. Don’t by the premixed shit unless you are really lazy or don’t have a kitchen. All you really need is eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and nutmeg. To make it alcoholic of course, add some bourbon and/or rum. The stuff you buy in the stores tastes all right, but you will definitely need to add some liquor in there to make it stronger. Although watermelons are not usually thought of as “holidayesque,” Vodka watermelons are great for Christmas parties because of the red and green colors. All you have to do is cut a whole in the top of the watermelon’s skin and stick a handle of vodka upside down in the watermelon.

Another great holiday drink is hot cocoa and Rumplemintz. Simple and delicious. Rumplemintz is 100-proof liquor that is similar to peppermint Schnapps. If you buy your hot cocoa from one of our local coffee shops, then add the Rumplemintz to your desired strength, you can walk around in public with your finely crafted, warm, minty drink and no one will suspect you are boozing.

So everyone is dressed up, it’s cold outside, there are festive drinks… now what do you do? Cooking and eating together is always fun. If you are having more of a kickback, make sure the guests each bring a different dish and alcoholic beverage. Potluck-style parties like this provide variety and make it easier on the host to throw a party. Making a gingerbread house is a fun activity to do together. I haven’t made a gingerbread house in about 10 years, so when I saw them for $9.99 at Linens-N-Things I immediately bought one. Decorate a mini Christmas tree. You can find them for pretty cheap and they usually require assembly. Simple things like this and making a gingerbread house can become hilarious activities if done with creative and humorous college students after a few holiday drinks.

The last great activity that is perfect for a holiday party is a white elephant gift exchange. Set the price between $5 and $10 and have everyone bring a random wrapped gift. Take turns choosing a gift from the random assortment or from someone else that has already picked a gift. The same gift can only be picked three times, and after all the gifts have been chosen you get to open them. Once again, this activity is a lot of fun if people bring creative and provocative gifts and if it is done after a few holiday drinks.

Good luck to everyone on finals. Try to relax and take a break from studying by having or attending a party similar to what I mentioned. May your holidays be filled with cheer and beer!