Laura Molly discusses popular games at Christmas time.
Festive season is well underway. The Christmas period marks a time where people come together for a variety of activities. From everything from baking to carol singing, December is a time where friends and family are united. Games have also played a key part in Christmas celebrations. From disastrous attempts at charades, to fighting over Monopoly, there is definitely a game for you, and whoever you spend Christmas with, to try this year.
Here are a few suggestions to make the most of this festive season.
Charades
Charades is a guessing game where players are assigned a word or phrase and must act it out without speaking, while their teammates try to guess what it is. Teams compete to guess the most phrases correctly, often within a time limit to win. It's a popular party game that can be played with no props and is appropriate for all ages, making it a perfect choice for any group.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a multiplayer economics-themed board game. In the game, players roll two dice to move around the game board, buying and trading properties and developing them with houses and hotels. The aim is to drive your opponents into bankruptcy. Money can also be gained or lost through Chance and Community Chest cards and tax squares. Players receive a salary every time they pass "Go" and can end up in jail, from which they cannot move until they have met one of three conditions. Christmas versions exist but any version is a popular family for after a Christmas roast.
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
If your festive celebrations seem a little dire, this may be one try after a few drinks are involved. Simply draw (the worse the drawing the better) a picture of Rudolph’s face, stick it on a wall, spin your teammate around, and enjoy an evening of stumbling. This game is ideal for spicing up any Christmas party, especially ones with work...
Name the Christmas Tune
Perhaps one of the options that requires the least amount of effort. If your festive activities need a fun activity to bond over this is a perfect option that requires no preparation. Simply crack out the Spotify playlist, play snippets of different Christmas songs and have your guests guess the song. If a prize for the winner is on offer the game might become even more interesting.
If you’re feeling more adventurous this festive season then why not try some games from other cultures?
Christmas Cake Contest
In Japan, Christmas is less of a religious holiday, and more of a festive celebration. They celebrate by holding Christmas cake competitions. Family and friends come together to make cakes with strawberry and whipped cream.
“Julklapp Game” (Gift Knock Game)
The word Julklapp means “Christmas knock.” This is a festive game played in Sweden. Traditionally, people knock on a door, throw in a wrapped gift anonymously, and run away! This may get a few funny looks as it is not one usually played in Ireland, but hey, who doesn’t love a surprise gift?
Parol-Making Contest
A popular activity in the Philippines where people come together to make parol (star-shaped) lanterns and compete to see whose lantern is the most creative. The lanterns are supposed to symbolise the star of Bethlehem.
No matter who you spend Christmas with, or what your plans are, these games can still be a great way to spend time with others, and create new memories.