We all treasure the time that we have with our families. But the kids can generally only do so much sitting around chatting, and the grown-ups can only do so much light playing. This can make it quite hard to think of holiday activities that the whole family can enjoy together. And especially when many of us have spent most of the year focused on other elements of life, such as work and general survival. Yet we still want that quality time. So here are some ideas to make it fun and memorable for everyone.
Outdoor Activities
At first, there may be a few that would rather sit out on any holiday activities that are too physically active. However, provided it is not a strenuous one, most people will end up having a lot more fun than they ever thought they would. This is because the body wants to move, regardless of age. Once you start getting a little active, the body says “yes, please!” and begins pumping positive endorphins throughout. So try to convince yourself and the loved ones around you to join in on some mild outdoor fun. A little movement goes a long way!
Take Everyone Out for a Walk
No major hills or rough terrain is necessary, just a slow and steady pace. Even if it is just around the block. You would be amazed at how relaxed many feel during and after a stroll. It gets the blood flowing and helps regulate healthy deep breathing. Often, conversation comes more easily while walking together. Kids also get the opportunity to explore different visuals. The list of rewards is long. It may seem like an obvious – and maybe to some, boring – suggestion. But it’s hard to actually realise the benefits of a simple stroll with the family until you are doing it.
Ball on a String
Some may remember that a while back (and maybe still today) you could buy a contraption consisting of a tennis ball attached to the end of a string that was tied to a pole in the ground. In some versions, a larger ball is used. Such as in the game known as Tetherball, where a volleyball is used.
First off, there is no running long distances or losing the ball which could result in a boring game of fetch. Secondly, any number of people can play. You just need to get a bit creative with a turn system. Plus, it aids coordination throughout the entire body and will keep all players busy the entire time. And although it sounds very simple, you would be amazed at the meditational perks of this easy game. To top it off, you don’t have to purchase it. Making your own set-up would also be very easy. And perhaps another fun activity to do together.
Red light, Green light
Another great option that requires no intense physical performance. One player is picked to be the “stoplight”. The stoplight faces their back to all other players, who stand in a row behind a start line. When the stoplight declares “green light” players must advance towards the stoplight. But at any point, the stoplight may announce “red light” and quickly turn around to check that all players have stopped moving. If the Stoplight sees any movement, then that player must begin again from the startline. In this game often those that move the slowest win first!
Games for Inside
In South Africa, we are lucky enough to have a summer Christmas season. So family-friendly outdoor activities are always my first recommendation for holiday fun. However, should the weather turn it’s great to have some indoor backups.
Broken Telephone
First off, a starting player is chosen. This player decides on a phrase or sentence that is to be whispered, only once, into the ear of the player on their left. Then each player whispers what they believe to have heard to the next player on the left. Until it goes all around the group and ends back at the starting player. You would be amazed at how the words, and eventually the entire phrase, might warp into a totally new sentence. Of course, starting with an interesting and convoluted sentence will make it that much more fun. And having a variety of ages in the game also adds to the level of difficulty. Especially if grandpa is a bit hard of hearing!
20 Questions with a Christmas Theme
Elect a player to pick any Christmas themed item, and remember it in their minds. Then everyone else must guess what the item is, asking “yes” or “no” questions to get their clues. The group has a total of 20 questions (between them) to guess the item correctly. Should someone guess correctly at any point, they are the winner and the chooser of the item for the next round.
Group Story Telling
Don’t underestimate the level of fun (and difficulty) of this game. Never mind that it is also great for memory training and development.
Everyone forms a circle, with one player chosen to start. Using only one sentence, the first player starts a made-up story. Each player that follows must repeat everything said from the start and continue to build on the story with their own sentence. As soon as someone forgets to repeat a part of the story, they are disqualified. The last person left is the winner.
Tied Up Gift Wrapping
Admittedly, this family holiday activity could go either way. However, it is great for teaching and learning teamwork skills.
When it comes to present wrapping time, family members should pair up (a group of three will do should the number of participants be uneven). Within the group, one person’s right hand should be tied to the left hand of the other. Now, gifts given to each group must be wrapped, using only their free hands.
Christmas Bingo
I love this one. Simply because you can choose to play it over any period of time that you like, and make it as difficult or easy as you choose. As a family, you could even make this an activity that lasts the entire holiday. There is some prep involved, but with a little bit of creativity, this game can be incredibly fun. You could even incorporate a prize for the winner at the end.
You will need to make a card for each player, consisting of five rows and five columns of blocks. This number is not set in stone and you can increase the number of blocks, especially if you play over a few days. Within each block is a task or goal to reach. Once a player had reached the goal for a block, they may cross it out. The first player to have a full line crossing all the blocks in a row, column or diagonal line, is the winner. And must immediately shout to all “Bingo all the way!”.
Some ideas for tasks are:
- Catch someone double dipping
- Take a photo or selfie with a Santa
- Sing a Christmas carol in public
- Catch someone sneaking sweeties
- Decorate an unexpected area or item in the house with Christmas goodies
Christmas Spelling Competition
I am a sucker for any games that have the dual function of being mentally or physically beneficial in any way. And this is another great brain trainer.
Someone will need to be chosen as the host of the game. In advance, this person must make a list of Christmas related words, ranging from easy to spell to hard. Once the game begins the host will start with the easiest words and escalate as the game progresses. Each participant will be asked to spell a word in their turn. Once someone spells a word incorrectly they are out. The last player left at the end is the winner!
A Final Note
These are just some of the many great ideas out there for families to play together. In fact, as you have seen, many of our everyday games can simply be adapted to have a Christmas version. But I hope you enjoy trying these holiday-themed family activities. Especially the Tied Up Gift Wrapping! And if things get a bit heated, try taking everyone out for that walk.
