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A Fun Christmas Tradition Via Larry’s Family

By
Home Stager

A Fun Christmas Tradition Via Larry’s Family

 

Larry’s family had a tradition that they called a Plunder Party. Had we had that when I was growing up, my poor parents would have not had to suffer through all of the whining and shuffling of feet that kids do when they don’t want to do something. 

 

Sneaky Santa...

At some point when Larry and his sister weren’t watching, their mother hid several wrapped gifts deep in the bowels of their Christmas tree. They knew they were in the tree but they could not touch them until the Plunder Party. 

 

Plunder Away...

After the holidays, when it was time to take down the tree, they had their “party.” Larry and Laurie removed all of the tree decorations and put them away. And then the rewards...those wrapped gifts that had been hidden in the tree. 

 

And now...

Years later, Larry and I sneaked over to our good friend’s home and (with their permission) did the same for their two little girls.  We were over for their “plunder party” and it was so much fun watching them search for the hidden gifts while they took down the ornaments. 

 

And if you don’t have children at home?  

Treat yourself!  Buy what you’ve been wanting to get for yourself, wrap it up, and put it in the tree!  It can be a gift certificate to your favorite spa or restaurant. Buy the earrings or new gizmo you know you want!

 

Seem silly?

Of course it is but it’s the holiday season. It’s 2020!  Why not treat yourself. 



This is my third post for the Holiday Fun and Cheer Challenge hosted by Carol Williams and Anna Banana Kruchten CRS CRB, Phoenix Broker 

Posted by

Kathy Streib
Retired Home Stager
and Interior Redesign

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Comments(36)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kathy and Good deal to have them take down the tree and still get presents

 

Dec 08, 2020 10:52 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathy I hate to decorate the tree or take the ornaments down.  BUT I love the plunder party idea, and that might even get me to participate ☺️

Dec 08, 2020 12:48 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Nina Hollander I too love learning about other holiday traditions. 

Maria Gilda Racelis I agree. Personally, I've never enjoyed taking down the tree. 

Brian England that is so cute!!!!!  Love it. 

Dec 08, 2020 01:44 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Wayne Martin you'll have to wait a few years for this tradition. 

Donald Urschalitz you could tuck away something special for your special lady. 

Barbara Todaro we used to do that at our neighbor's home on Christmas day!!

Dec 08, 2020 01:50 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Kat Palmiotti I hadn't either until I met Larry. 

Ed Silva ohhhh I never liked having to deal with the needles after we took down the tree!

Dec 08, 2020 01:55 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Michael Jacobs I have no idea where it started!!! Purposeful? absolutely Preposterous?  Perhaps  Pfun?  For sure!!!

Grant Schneider Larry's mother had a PhD in Psychology...I'm sure she had an ulterior motive. 

 

Dec 08, 2020 01:58 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Jeffrey Richman I still think it's a shame that many young children think that a real hamburger tastes like the ones you get at the Golden Arches...nothing wrong with them but not a real burger. 

Dec 08, 2020 02:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Sharon Lee my least favorite thing about the holidays. BTW- we've had a lot of small birds coming around...warblers, nuthatches, etc. 

Thank you Roy Kelley I will.  You and Chef Dolores be well. 

Dec 08, 2020 02:12 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Rocky Dickerson if we can't be silly, then what's it all about anyway!!!  Loved your presentation today. 

Raymond Henson, SRES, GRI anything to extend the holidays!!!!!

Dec 08, 2020 02:13 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Thank you Ron and Alexandra Seigel There's nothing like a good bribe to get some work done!!!

Will Hamm it worked and Larry's has fond memories of it. 

Dec 08, 2020 02:19 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

George Souto wrap up something that you want and put it in the tree!!!!

Dec 08, 2020 02:20 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

That's a pretty cool tradition, Kathy! Larry's family had lots of fun with it no doubt!

Jeff

Dec 08, 2020 08:18 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Kathy.

Never had one of those, it sounds like fun.  Of course our youngest is 47, so time has passed us by

Dec 09, 2020 12:44 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

I love the plunder party idea Kathy!  I wish I would have known about it when the kids were here - and now the grandkids.  And hey, I'm up for hiding for a few gifts for myself and Gary!  Fun!

Dec 09, 2020 04:20 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathy Streib 
I've heard of all kinds of parties but never a plunder party. I love how the anticipation for the children carried through to after the main event.  It also gives me a whole 'nother reason to buy stuff for myself.  LOL 

Thanks for sharing a new idea.

Dec 10, 2020 06:56 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

How fun! And, I love the name Plunder Party. Sounds like they should be wearing pirate hats. LOL

Dec 11, 2020 06:57 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Even the name, "plunder party," adds to the fun. 

Dec 26, 2020 05:47 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I don't think it's silly. It's fun. Plus, it can be a bit meloncholy to take down the tree - especially if you're nutty for Christmas, like I am. This way, you get a special little treat - something to look forward to. 

Dec 26, 2020 06:40 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Kathy Streib I do that every year - I buy myself what I really wanted - but I do not put up a tree anymore - Just put out my elves and stuff animals 

Happy Holidays -- so glad Carol Williams     featured this as I missed it

Dec 26, 2020 10:43 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great job on the feature this week...well deserved!

Dec 27, 2020 07:03 AM