Christmas Games for Families

With children growing and marrying and having children of their own our family has more than tripled in size. In-laws, grandchildren, nieces and nephews were added, and then a great grandchild. The holidays presented a dilemma when budgets just weren't allowing us to buy Christmas gifts for all that we wanted to. Then my mother came up with an idea. Why not have the adults draw names at Thanksgiving and we buy only for the person whose name we pick? This worked out well and the adults felt they no longer had to feel like they should buy a gift for every sibling. The fun in this game was keeping the person's name we had drawn a secret. From Thanksgiving until our family Christmas gathering we would wonder and ask each other questions aimed at trying to figure out who had drawn our name or what size a person is or what they really might like to receive. After years of this game the name drawing became harder as not everyone was able to make it for Thanksgiving Dinner. Some would go to in-laws, others would be away. These things do happen.

A New Game Was Needed

Then a new game was devised. My mother suggested we set a dollar amount limit and whoever makes it to the Christmas Family Gathering bring one item suitable for a male or a female, wrapped and ready for giving. It was decided this would be the adult's gift exchange and anyone that wanted to could buy for any child in the family. Some would bring a gift just for their own children or someone else's and some would bring for nieces and nephews only. Those that could afford to would bring one gift for each child. Some gifts were store bought and others handmade such as the beautiful quilt made by a grandmother for her grandson. The children's gift exchange was first as we all delighted in watching them uhh and ahh over their gifts. Once the gifts were all opened and the room straightened back up the children were sent off into another room to play while the adults played a game.

The Family Christmas Gift Exchange Game

This is how our Family Christmas Game works. One person writes the numbers 1 thru however many people are playing on paper and cuts each number out. These are then folded and placed into a bowl. All of the wrapped gifts are placed in a row on the floor in the middle of the room, plus one extra supplied by the hostess. Each family member draws a slip of paper from the bowl and keeps it. (Hold the bowl up high, no peeking at numbers.) Once everyone has a number the family Christmas game begins.

The family member holding number 1 is up first; he or she may pick any gift from the floor and open it. All watch in anticipation as to what may be in the gift bag or beautifully wrapped box. Next up is player number 2; now the family Christmas game gets interesting. Player number 2 may pick an item from the floor or may pick the opened item player number 1 is holding. If player 2 picks player 1's gift then player 1 gets a second pick from the floor. At this point there is one rule that applies at this point. If player 2 takes the gift from player 1 then player 1 cannot pick that gift back. He or she must pick from the floor. Throughout the game if someone takes your gift you may not take that gift back, at that time. You must pick from the floor or from someone else. If, during the next players turn your gift is taken you may then take the other gift the previous player took back if you so choose. See why I said it gets interesting?

It's time for player no. 3 to get into the family christmas game. He or she may pick a gift from the floor or the gift player no. 1 has, or the gift player no. 2 has. Anytime the gift you have is taken from you it is your turn to pick from the floor again, OR from another player. Once all of the family Christmas game players whose number has come up have an open gift it is then the next numbered players turn. This family Christmas game is best played with 5 or more people. In our family there are usually 13 to 15 people playing at one time. Depending on who really wants what it's possible this family Christmas game could go on for up to an hour or more depending on how many are playing.

What about that Extra Gift?

Remember the extra gift we put into the game? It is saved for the start of the next year's game or if someone brings a guest that did not know about the game it could be decided that person may play and the extra gift needed is already purchased, wrapped and ready to go. Mom and I planned for the unexpected and we keep a couple extra gifts ready just in case more are needed. These extra gifts can be purchased on Black Friday or at any time during the year when a bargain can be found. If more than one person is coordinating these extra gifts be sure to keep in touch and let the other person know if you have extra gifts purchased as only 2 or 3 are needed. And don't share what the item is you've purchased as you both want the fun of not knowing.

When Children Join the Adult Games

In our family my teenage nephew was rapidly reaching adult age and would watch the adult's family Christmas game in between keeping an eye on his siblings and cousins. The year he turned 18 he made it known he wanted to join the adult game. That year was so much fun with a gift in the mix that was known by several people was wanted; a 1960's style lava lamp. With a bit of ingenuity, lots of humor and shopping when items are on sale many times this family Christmas Gift Exchange Game is the highlight of the day. And remember, it's okay to take the found on sale discounted DVD player from grandma in this game. It's all in fun and everyone goes home with something, including wonderful memories of love and laughter shared during the Family Christmas Game.

Here are just a few Suggested Gift Items suitable for male or female family members:

DVD Player

Clock Radio

Lava Lamp

Cookie Jar

Neck or Back Massager

Memory Foam Pillow

Clip on Desk Lamp

Religious Books and/or DVD's

Picture Frame Sets

Have fun with these Family Christmas Games and Merry Christmas everyone!