Leslie Knope’s Christmas Hanukkah Extravaganza

Posted by Danielle Mohlman

When it comes to planning a thoughtful and engaging party, Leslie Knope is the end all and be all. We were thrilled when Leslie Knope let us peek into her party planning binder for the U.S. Department of the Interior Midwest Division Christmas Hanukkah Extravaganza. This is a party you won’t want to miss.

 

Hi Leslie, it’s Leslie. This binder is the key to the unstoppable 2nd Annual U.S. Department of the Interior Midwest Division Christmas Hanukkah Extravaganza. Our goal? More fun than a historical lamppost tour of Washington, DC. Our venue? City Hall. Our staff? Flawless. Well, except for Ed. Who knows what’s going on with that guy.

 

Seasonings Greetings: On Party Food

JJ’s Diner will be catering this festive affair. The theme will be – of course – breakfast food. JJ’s Diner has assured me that they’re now working in a fully kosher kitchen, which won’t make Ron Swanson very happy, but I’m thrilled. And they’ve added latkes to their menu for one night only! (Which is to say they added latkes for us. I spend a lot of time at JJ’s.)

A cookie decorating corner will be donated by Sweetums. As a condition of this extremely charitable donation, however, they’re requiring I loudly announce their company’s virtues every hour on the hour for the duration of the party. A small price to pay for free cookies and icing.

Sue’s Salads will not be making an appearance at the U.S. Department of the Interior Extravaganza. Though I am hoping that Liam Bonneville, resident bad boy of the Department of the Interior, will RSVP. Or just return my calls. Which reminds me, I need to call Sue’s Salads and ask to be removed from their marketing list. And be sure to emphasize that they will not be catering this party.

 

 

Happy Challah-days: On Inclusive Party Activities

We’re definitely bringing back last year’s big hits: the garland making activity and our beloved Pin the Nose on Rudolf game. But in an effort to expand our holiday reach and grow with our Department of the Interior staff, we’ll also have a dreidel table where we can enjoy this cherished Hanukkah game. Ron Swanson has agreed to provide wooden dreidels for those who want to decorate their own.

 

Fleas Navidad: On Pets and Children

While many staff members boast children and pets as part of their brood, the only animal present at this party will be a Lil Sebastian impersonator.

 

A Pawnee in a Pear Tree: On Staff Gifts

Gifts for the staff are wrapped and under the Christmas tree and surrounding the Hanukkah bush. Each item is individually selected to reflect both the personality of the employee and the level of enthusiasm they show for the U.S. Department of the Interior Midwest Division. Oh shoot! I forgot about Ed. What is the appropriate dollar amount to put on a Subway gift card? And do you think he’ll notice that everyone else’s gifts are way more extravagant?