Hosting a Christmas Open House

A Christmas Open House - A simple way to open your heart and home to others.

By Jeanie Augsburger

My husband and I annually host a Christmas open house in our home, inviting everyone in our church. At the beginning of December, we announce the dates of the open house. Church families sign up and we ask them to bring their favorite Christmas snack. We provide punch, spiced hot tea, coffee, a couple of snacks, and tableware. We set out the ping-pong table and games in another room for the children to enjoy. After our guests eat, we sing favorite carols, my husband gives a short devotional or a Christmas reading and prays. You could also do this with your non-Christian neighbors or coworkers.

Jeanie’s Icy Holiday Punch (for open house)

1 package (6 ounces) cherry gelatin

¾ cup sugar

1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice

6 cups cold water

2 liters ginger ale, chilled

In a 4-qt. freezer-proof container, dissolve gelatin and sugar in boiling water, according to package directions. Stir in pineapple juice and cold water. Cover and freeze overnight. Remove from the freezer 2 hours before serving. Place in a punch bowl; stir in ginger ale just before serving. Yield: 32-36 servings (5 ¾ quarts).