So you have a teenager on your Christmas shopping list who is a movie buff...loves to watch movies. That would be my two granddaughters though they also have other interest as well, sports, dance, music,horses, race cars and their drivers, clothes to name a few. However, I am not going to go out and buy them a horse or a race car or even clothes...I'm much to old to understand fashion and what is really cool and I can't afford to buy the horse or the race car.

Christmas is fast approaching and I need to get my shopping done. I love them and want to give them a gift they will enjoy and appreciate. What to do? How about a party? All teenagers enjoy a party. They like hanging out with their friends. A party is good and it is Winter break. It sounds to me like the perfect gift. I found out from last year that it is. They loved it and have hinted they would like a repeat performance.

It's not hard to find out who their favorite movie stars are or what their favorite movie is, their favorite genre. Go for it. Buy a video or DVD of that movie and maybe one or two about some of their other interest. Include the soundtrack if you can. I also include a gift certificate for two or three movies to rent from the local movie rental shop. They like choosing their own movies.

To create your movie party pack you need to include some eats. What's a movie without pop corn, so throw in 3 or 4 packs of the microwaveable kind and a couple boxes of caramel corn. I also include a gift certificate for free home delivery of a pizza and soft drink from the local pizza shop, paper plates, napkins, paper cups and the invitations including postage stamps. Visit the poster section of your local department store. You'll usually find at least one or two posters of their favorite stars and/or movies. They make great party decorations and they can later be hung on their bedroom wall. This year I think I'll include a movie trivia game and introduce them to some of the older classics as well as one of their all time favorites. If the movie you choose for them is based on a book, you might want to include the book, especially if the teenager is a reader as well. The paperback edition will do just fine. The book is always better than the movie. I don't care how good the movie is, it doesn't include the whole story according to the book.

Once I have everything all bought I arrange it all in one of those pretty gift bags with a big bow. I know they are going to have a good time. I know where they will be and they will be safe. Last year one of the girls turned their movie night into a sliding party as well and the other one had a slumber party with a bunch of her girlfriends. They had a really good time and even made their own movie of their movie party. Santa brought them a camcorder.

I don't know what Santa has in mind for this year but I know what I'm going to do...I'm giving them the ingredients for a Winter Break Party. I think they'll enjoy it.

Learn more about this author, Annette Bromley.
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