Hey Friends –
Are you looking for a simple, inexpensive way to enjoy some family fun?
As you know, the 2014 Winter Olympics are coming soon and will be held from February 7 – February 23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia .
I’ve been waiting 2 years for another official “Let the Games Begin” celebration to kick-off the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics! Woo Hoo!
First, please know, I’m not some athlete who is huge into the Olympics. Y’all know that, right?
But I do love a good, fun, family-friendly party!
Years ago, when I was a stay at home mom with 4 little kids — I came across a simple recipe to make Rice Krispie Olympic torches.
What a fun idea! Soon the creative juices started flowing. We ended having a very fun, memorable Olympics Celebration.
Olympics 2006
Since then, the Olympics Celebration is a Bultema tradition.Even though my kids are older – they love it!
So, how do you have a “Let the Games Begin” party? Here are some ideas…
Countdown – Create anticipation for your party with this adorable countdown craft . Super fun and easy, and perfect to keep the kiddos busy during these cold, winter days.
Decorations ~ I bought colored beverage napkins in the 5 colors of the Olympic rings (blue, black, red, yellow, and green).
I put a navy blue $ .99 table cloth down, and then pulled out leftover 4th of July supplies (a cup with American flags, etc..). I also bought balloons in the 5 Olympic colors, and put stuffed animals out on our table in USA wear (of course, substitute the USA items with wear from whatever country you call home ~ smile).
Easy, inexpensive, and adorable!
If you want to get more festive, check out my Olympics Pinterest board here. You wouldn’t believe the amazing decoration ideas!
Games & Activities ~ There are so many great ideas out on the web to use. This year we’ll play Olympics BINGO ~ here.
Have lots of color sheets and word searches at one station ~ here & here.
Depending on the size of your house, kids, and your current weather, there are a TON of different games you could play. More ideas here & here.
Yummy “Torches”
Refreshments ~ I made the cutest torches out of Rice Krispies and colored ice cream cone bottoms. I can’t find that recipe on-line anywhere this year, but I still have my original I’ll share — Rice Krispie Olympic Torches.
For the summer Olympics, we invited our neighborhood friends over to decorate Olympics cupcakes. Yay!
Kate, Paige, & Sarah
Teachable Moments ~ Most importantly, I love the opportunity to share the idea of ‘friendship around the world’ with my family.
- We will have a station with a large world map, so we can look at where the various countries are located.
- We will talk about the different continents when we color our Olympics flag, and stress that the white background represents peace.
- We will use this time as an oportunity to pray for peace and God’s blessings across the world. And celebrate our differences (and similarities) with the world.
More Teachable ideas and activities here
One caution…. I remember from 2006, we told the kids we would end our party by watching the lighting of the torch. We learned this will happen very late on the first night. I made a mental note to never do this again.
The kids stayed up MUCH LATER than usual. My recommendation would be to not mention the torch, or have your party on Saturday, and watch the torch lighting on-line. Our goal is to have fun ~ not tired, cranky kids (and parents!)
What about for you?? Does your family “mark this moment” in any special way? Share your Olympics ideas with us please!
For many more ideas, don’t forget to check out my Olympics Pinterest board.
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! God’s richest blessings to you!
