If you are hosting your family and friends for Christmas, don’t forget to plan games and activities everyone can participate in through the day. Christmas games can help get family members in the Christmas spirit as they wait to have a family meal and open presents. Opt for a variety of games all members of the family can enjoy, regardless of their ages.
Classic Board Games
Classic board games are usually a part of someone’s Christmas list, so break out the Monopoly board and get your mind sharp for a game of Scattegories. Offer an assortment of classic board games to play during the Christmas holiday. Set up game stations appropriate for various ages. Disney Family fun lists Scrabble, Clue, Sorry!, Chinese Checkers, and Chutes and Ladders as favorites among children.
Check Your Stocking
Purchase a large holiday stocking from a discount or craft store. Fill it with items associated with the holiday season or items you can find around the house. You can include items such as a candy cane, a cookie cutter, a turkey baster, an ornament and a potholder. Fill the stocking, leaving enough room inside for party attendees to stick their hands inside and move them around. Give each guest a piece of paper and a pen. Take the stocking to each participant, and have her close her eyes and reach in to identify the items inside of the stocking. Ask guests to write down their guesses. Once everyone has had an opportunity to write down his guess, show each item and pick a winner based on the person who correctly guessed the most items.
How Many Berries?
Hang mistletoe over an entryway door in your home. Pick a prominent spot so that guests will see it immediately. Place a small table near the entry way with a sign that reads, “How Many Berries? Look up…” Place small note cards, pencils and a box adorned with holiday décor on the table. Have each guest, including children, take a guess at how many berries are on the mistletoe. The person who gets the closest wins.
Holiday Musical Chairs
Put on classic Christmas music including songs such as “Jingle Bells,” Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer,” “Silent Night” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Arrange chairs in the center of the room for guests to play a game of holiday-inspired musical chairs. Decorate the chairs with bows, tinsel and other holiday décor. Play the music as participants circle the chairs, stop the music at various intervals and watch participant scramble to find a seat. Remember to remove one chair each time someone is eliminated from the game.
Christmas Trivia
Test your family’s knowledge on important Christmas trivia, from songs and movies to holiday traditions. Divide the group into two or three teams. Be sure to pair smaller children in groups with adults who can help them answer tough questions. Give each team a “jingle bell” to ring if their team knows the answer to a question you ask.
Photo Credit
- people playing reflected in christmas tree ornamen image by green308 from Fotolia.com
