Party Games to Enjoy This Christmas Season

Have you been to a holiday party that fell a little flat? Just a bunch of people trying to think of things to say to each other while they eat and drink a little too much sugar. Or maybe a few too many kids too pooped from other parties? Why do holiday parties seem to usually go this way? How about tossing a few family friendly party games into the mix this year? But be prepared to have a game or two set up every year from now on because your repeat guests may be disappointed that there's nothing to play next time.

"Guess how many?"- A classic that I'm sure you played at some point in your lifetime. But you can easily give it a holiday spin. All it takes is a large enough container of your choice, scraps of paper for "guesses", and a few pens for guests to give it a go. BONUS: The container also makes a nice centerpiece once filled with goodies!

Inside the container why not try the following:

· Different sizes/kinds of peppermint candies.

· Christmas ball ornaments of all sizes and shapes/colors.

· Red & Green candies of your choice.

Use your decorated tree as a game- We've done this one a few times ourselves. We try to switch it up every year if we can. It's easy because most everyone has a tree on display somewhere for all holiday parties. Get even more use out of it this year! All this game takes is scraps of paper and a few pens.

Try this with YOUR tree:

· "How many lights?"- Be sure to count each light bulb as your decorating your tree this year. Write it down before you forget, and then you can play this game easily. From the tiniest toddler to the Grandparents of the group can give a guess.

· "Where's Waldo-type tree"- Choose an ornament (or purchase a special one- and use it as the prize for this game) as "Waldo". Hide it amongst all the other beauties on your tree. The first one to find it wins!

· "Themed Trees"- This kind of decorating is getting more and more popular. Choose something that is repeated on your tree (like gingerbread men or candy canes) and have people guess how many they think decorate your tree.

"Pin the nose on..."- Another classic that everyone can play and you can give a holiday twist to fit your party. You just need someone to draw your chosen item on poster board, make a few of the "pin-on" items, some tape, and a blindfold before laughter ensues.

Choose something like:

· Rudolph- His red nose is a simple red construction paper circle, not to mention easily recognizable by young and old.

· Santa- It could be his beard, his mustache, his nose, or maybe even his hat.

· Frosty the Snowman- The carrot nose is our popular choice but it could also be his scarf, one of his buttons, or maybe a stick arm or "eye made out of coal".

· Gingerbread House/Man- The "man" version of this game is usually missing a gumdrop button. But if you are brave enough (and talented enough to draw one!) to give the house a go, try the front door, a window, or maybe the chimney.

Have fun with what ever game you might choose. Your party might be the hit of the season if you liven it up with a game or two. And just maybe you'll think up some new ones for next year!