How to Enjoy a Christmas Boat Parade

Lots of time, energy and money goes into a Christmas boat parade. Thousands of lights are used to decorate both homes on the water and boats. Boat parades take many different forms, but the enjoyment is all the same. It's a great way to celebrate the holidays and the neighbors. Here's how to get the most out of this festive occasion.

Instructions

1. Wear warm clothes. Whether the boat parade is in Huntington Beach, California or a chilly New England harbor, both locations will be chilly in December. Wear decorative hats and mittens, a Santa cap, Christmas sweaters and warm socks.

2. Bring along a blanket. Watching the boat parade from a boat, deck overlooking the water, or a dock will all be chilly. Bring a warm throw blanket for yourself and the kids. Kids get to bring their favorite blanket as well to cut down on their nagging to go home since there is a lot of waiting involved.

3. Fill a large thermos with hot cocoa to help warm everyone from the inside. Hot chocolate and Christmas go hand in hand. Bring along a few disposable cups or bring everyone their own thermos. Add coffee to the adults' hot chocolate. Bring along a few marshmallows to eat while sipping the hot chocolate.

4. Pack a sweet snack. Have a cookie exchange a few days before the parade and save different cookies to take with you to the parade. Bring other snacks that your guests will enjoy. Crackers and cheese, trail mix, and cookies are all easy to carry and eat. You will be outside probably without a table to lay food out on, so package each snack individually in little baggies for each person.

5. Remember your camera. Designate one person to be the picture person. Rotate so each person gets a chance to enjoy the parade first hand and not through the lens of a camera. You will get distracted and if you have pictures of each festively decorated home and boat to view later, you will capture the full experience.