Reindeer games are no longer reserved for Rudolph and company. If you’re finding some down time between all that shopping, wrapping and caroling, here are a few games sure to get you feeling jolly.
1. Secret Santa
During holiday gatherings, warm feelings and cozy hugs are sure to be abundant. But what’s a reunion without some wholesome mischief? Try this tricky game out for a laugh or two.
First, decorate and cut out a snowman from a sheet of paper. Feel free to get as fancy with it as you’d like; the sillier he looks the better. Once you have Santa all suited up for the ride, secretly stick him onto the back of one of your guests. If and when that person notices, have them do the same. Try to get Santa to visit everyone before the end of the night. Remember, Santa won’t show up if he’s being waited upon, so make sure you get sneaky with it.
2. Snowman Scurry
This game is sure to make for some fun pictures you can use for next year’s Christmas card.
To begin, divide everyone into pairs and designate one “builder” and one “model” for each group. Distribute a roll of toilet tissue, a couple feet of crepe paper, three black paper circles and some tape to each builder. On “go,” each builder will wrap their model with the whole roll of toilet tissue as quickly as possible. Complete the look with a stylishly placed crepe paper scarf and tape on the black paper circles as buttons. The first person to finish their snowman (or woman) wins.
3. Find the Ornament
Here’s a chance to break out that photo printer you got for last year’s Christmas.
After taking close-up photos of a few ornaments hung on your tree, print each picture, hang it on a wall and label it with a number. Give each guest a sheet of paper numbered to match the ornaments. Start the timer and let the guests search for the ornaments on the tree, marking them off on their lists as they are found. First one to complete the list wins. For a bit more of a challenge, think outside the tree. Have the guests scavenge for ornaments placed all over the house.
4. Oh Christmas Tree
To play, you’ll need green construction paper and some fun holiday stickers.
The object of the game is to have each guest attempt to tear out the shape of a Christmas tree from the green paper while holding it behind their backs. No peeking until the end! After they are done tearing, hand out the stickers and ask each guest to try to decorate their creations with them. Finally, hang up all the trees and judge for the best looking one. Extra points go to the guest who managed to add lights and tinsel to their creation.
5. Christmas Pictionary
Just like the good ‘ole Pictionary you have buried somewhere in a closet, but with a delicious twist.
For this version, leave all the paper and pencils at your desk. You won’t need them for this. Instead, take a frosting bag and fill it with frosting. This will serve as your writing utensil. For your “paper” you can use the real thing, or try something different i.e. tinfoil, paper towels or if you’re feeling really culinary-inclined, extra-large sugar cookies. The concept of the game is the same: One team selects a clue and draws it, followed by the opposing team trying to guess what it is. The winner is the team with most points, or the one who reached the end the fastest, if you decided to make use of the actual game board. Losing team gets to scoop out the extra frosting as a consolation prize.
6. Christmas Gift Wrap Relay
Who says gift wrapping can’t be fun? Make it a family-and-friend affair, as long as those who are going to be receiving the gifts aren’t present (no pun intended).
Pile all of the gifts and wrapping tools in the center of the room. Make sure there are boxes, wrapping paper, scissors, tape and bows. The more eccentric the paper and bows, the more fun is guaranteed. The game is meant to be a relay race but it can be approached in a variety of ways. The first method is an assembly line. Divide into teams and assign each team member a task. One person will be the gift-grabber, the next will be the paper-cutter, the third will be the paper-taper, and so on. If you are wary of small children being around scissors, you can have the wrapping paper already cut to size ahead of time and the tape already dispensed. Gift bags can also be used. Another approach would be to leave the wrapping to the adults and then have the children unwrap them. If an assembly line sounds a little hectic, the game can be played on an individual basis. Instead of assigning each team member one task, assign each one gift to be wrapped in its entirety by that member. The winning team can be determined either by neatness, speed or number of gifts wrapped. If you’re playing for speed, this writer may not be held accountable for any poorly wrapped gifts.
