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 CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Long before the words "tea party" became a political movement, they were meant to mean a purely non-political celebration.

And some folks in Cape Coral are celebrating that part of the tradition.

With their favorite stuffed animals by their side, fanciest hats on their little heads, and those pinkies in perfect position, several kids are taking part in a tradition well known to grandparents like Jan Knutson who got her grandaughters like lily into tea parites from an early age.

Grandma Jan says: Since they were old enough to hold a tea cup.

Lily says: I've been doing since i was little baby.

Grandma Jan says: Her first tea party was when she was 18 months old, we had water and my husband videotaped it. (laughs)

The city of cape coral recreation department likes the idea too.

They started holding these "Teddy Bear Tea" events three years ago.

The Tony Rotino Senior Center yacht club has turned out to be the perfect spot.

Brenda Nixon/Recreation Specialist says: After Christmas there's a sigh, and we they cane come to the teddy bear tea

Organizers choose the holidays to have the event to allow loved ones of all ages to celebrate together.

Brenda Nixon/Recreation Specialist: We try to do intergenerational event, and this is the time of the year when kids visit with grandparents.

Locals like Jan are making the most of visits from relatives.

Her daughter and grandaughter came from Minnesota which has its own traditions that belong to the dudes.

Krista Schaff/Mother: The boys have their fishing, this is something for the girls

That said, organizers say boys and men are welcome at the city's tea parties, even if if some families say the idea hasn't worked out when they've tried it at their own homes.

Grandma Jan: We did invite the boys one year, but they didn't do the tea party manners right. Now we call them hooligans. (laughs)