Since the beginning of time, or at least since the early eighties, Boy Scout Troop 68 has held a Christmas party. It has become such a tradition that the Patrol Leader’s Council would never think of planning a year’s program without the party. Everyone enjoys it too much to drop it.
During those first years the party was held at someone’s house, usually a house with a basement recreation room. One family had one of those new fancy things called a video cassette player/recorder (vcr). It was a big odd looking box that played tapes of movies. That began the tradition of playing movies and watching them on the television, because soon almost every house had a vcr tape machine. These days we use dvd players.
The party would be held at one family’s house for a couple years and then move on to another family’s. When the troop’s membership grew to over thirty Boy Scouts we had a hard time finding a home to host the party. We finally moved to the city hall meeting rooms which gave us plenty of room. Our membership is down again so now the party is held at my home which makes it a lot easier for me. I do not have to haul stuff, like presents, to the party site anymore.
The party begins at 6:30 in the evening and ends about 11:00. We begin by watching one of the two movies. (Have you ever tried to find a movie that appeals to both 11 year olds and sixteen year olds? It is a challenge.) Then comes the pizza, snacks, and soda. A gift exchange is held for those who wish to participate, and wish to risk the roll of the dice. The evening raps up with the second movie, although some of the Scouts decide to play games instead of watching the film.
The party is a great “no pressure” troop activity. There is no knot tying, no advancement requirements, and no skill learning. Uniforms are not worn. It is just a time to have fun and be with friends. Everyone goes home with at least one present.
And sometime during the course of the evening we pause to remember the real reason for the season.
I always did enjoy the christmas parties. And LPMR of course.