Christmas Party Games

The Christmas season is a time of family, fun, and tradition. Each family has its own traditions, be it stringing popcorn and cranberries, picking out the perfect live tree, or hanging stockings on Christmas Eve. Games can often be a part of these traditions and adding new games to your current repertoire can add a new energy and excitement to your holiday celebrations.

For a holiday twist on a classic party game, why not try pin the nose on Rudolph? After reading the classic Christmas favorite (or perhaps watching the old Claymation movie), put up your Rudolph (cardboard versions can be found at party supply stores) and give each family member a large red construction paper "nose" to stick onto Rudolph while blindfolded.

Another enjoyable game starts many days before Christmas and requires a Nativity set. Set up your set, sans the Baby Jesus, and each night after the children are in bed, hide the wise men somewhere in your house. The next day, help your children "find" the wise men, then hide them somewhere else the next night, always travelling towards the nativity set. Finally, on Christmas Eve, the wise men are allowed to "find" the Nativity set, and the next morning, the Baby Jesus will finally be present in his manger. Children find this a delightful game, and it helps build excitement for Christmas morning as well as teaches them about the story of Christmas.

Opening a single present on Christmas Eve has long been a tradition in both my family and my husband's. For a fun twist, play a game of clues. Cut out construction paper Christmas stocking shapes in a variety of colors, one color for each child or family member. On each stocking, write a different clue for finding that person's hidden gift, then stash the stockings throughout the house. Early on Christmas Eve, start the hunt with a single stocking given to each person with the first clue. Open gifts in the order they are found.

Frosty the Snowman toilet paper wrap is a good game for larger families. Divide into groups of two, each with their own roll (or rolls) of toilet paper. Turn on the Christmas music and race to see who can make the best TP Frosty by the time the music is ended. You can add props, such as carrots, hats, or magic markers (for drawing on charcoal features) if you so desire.