When I look back on my favorite memories in my life, I realize that parties bring me the most joy. There is something about people getting together, eating, laughing and making memories that sends my heart aflutter. I love creating a magical setting for guests to enjoy.
In December 2014, I was fortunate enough to head up the Christmas party for my ward. I selected the theme of “The Polar Express” and put together a wonderful committee to help me make the vision come to life! I was blessed to be surrounded by amazing woman that helped me create, organize, and execute our plan.

The theme of the evening was “Believe”. Believe in Christ- Believe in the true meaning of Christmas- Believe in the magic of the season.

Let’s start with the overall decor in the cultural hall. We draped the ceiling with white lights and snowflakes and created several other focal points around the room.

Guests were greeted with a polar express photo backdrop. Families and individuals were photographed upon arrival, and the digital images were made available to them after the party.

Our awesome Bishop played the role of “Train Conductor” all evening. He stood in the ticket booth when guest arrived.

Using a wide variety of cardboard boxes, we created a Polar Express train that was crashing through the wall between the food tables.

For centerpieces, we spray painted #10 cans red and filled them with pine tree remnants that we picked up for free from the local Christmas tree lot. We embellished the can with ribbon to look like Santa’s belt. To finish the look, we placed the centerpieces on small squares of chevron wrapping paper.

Cardboard was our best friend when it came to decorations….we cut out the facade of a train engine and placed it at the front of each row of tables.

We put together a “Humanitarian Depot” where we collected bags of canned goods. Large paper bags were handed out 3 weeks prior to the event. We received over 50 bags of food at the party, which was promptly delivered to the local homeless shelter. The young women helped run the depot through the night.

A table was set up in the back with large Christmas cards personalized for each missionary out in the field. Guests were able to write notes to the missionaries throughout the night.

We served breakfast for dinner. We offered biscuits and gravy, country potatoes, breakfast casseroles, sausage, french toast sticks, and orange wedges. We served dinner to over 350 people at the party.

Two things were important to me when it came to entertainment: 1. Have as many people involved as possible. 2. End on a spiritual note. I edited the Polar Express book in order to make it more condensed for our performance. The program included the narrator telling part of the story and several performances to songs from the Polar Express soundtrack. The young men and young women performed a swing dance, the Jr. primary boys marched in with their own personal cardboard train, the activity day girls danced to hot chocolate, select ward members sang Silver Bells with an acoustic guitar, an amazing concert pianist played Oh Holy Night, our Bishop said a few words about Christ and the true meaning of Christmas, and lastly, the entire congregation sang Silent Night.
Jamie
October 19, 2016Do you remember where you got the backdrop?
Sarah Lemmon
October 22, 2016We got the backdrop made. A member of our stake owns a print shop and was able to give it to us at cost.
Christi
November 2, 2016Hi there, I love this idea! I’m hoping to recreate the trains on the table. How did you get the cardboard to stand up again the table? Also, the BELIEVE on the stage, what did you make that out of?
Sarah Lemmon
November 3, 2016Hi Christi,
We used duct tape to adhere the cardboard trains to the table. It was simple and worked well. We purchased the letters for BELIEVE at Hobby Lobby. With the 40% off coupon, they were inexpensive. We painted and embellished them before adding them to the stage. Thanks 🙂
mandy k
November 8, 2016Do you remember how tall those letters for Believe are? It looks like you put them up on blocks. I am just trying to be cost effective, and that set up looks perfect. Thanks
Sarah Lemmon
November 9, 2016Hi Mandy,
The letters were 18″ tall, and yes, we attached them to wood blocks 🙂 Good luck with your party!
Michelle
November 13, 2016LOVE IT!! Do you let other wards borrow the backdrop? I’d love to borrow it for our ward party if it is possible. I am in Utah. And yes I am scounging!
Sarah Lemmon
November 18, 2016Hi Michelle,
I don’t have the backdrop anymore. I’m so sorry that I can’t help you out! Good luck with your party.
Christina
November 30, 2016Do you have the printables for the ticket booth signs?
Sarah Lemmon
November 30, 2016Hi Christina,
I did not save the ticket booth signs on my computer. I wish I had so that I could share them with you!
Nicole R.
January 9, 2017Good gravy, how much was your budget for this? It is just wonderful
Cheryl
May 17, 2017Do you have the template for the train at the end of the tables? Would you share?
Sarah Lemmon
May 17, 2017Hi Cheryl, We created the first train freehand and then traced around it for the others. I do not have a template. Sorry! I wish I could help.