Do your holiday family get-togethers naturally end up with women, men, and children all gathered in separate rooms? Or, with certain family members passed out on the couch? (I’m talking to you, Uncle Kelly.) After putting on your stretchy pants and eating all the deliciousness the holidays provide, I totally get it! I am not going to tell you to eat less or pace yourself (because holiday food is out of this world)! . . . BUT, hear me out. You can nap later! So make sure the coffee isn’t decaf, gather the family, and try out one of these fun ideas:
1. Men and Children Cookie Bake Off
Split the men and kids into teams and let them loose in the kitchen. Sprinkles and flour will most definitely be all over the floor, but the memories are so worth it.
2. Ornament Crafting Station
Popsicle sticks, buttons, glue, stickers, and ribbon make great supplies. You may want to hot glue some snowflake or tree ornaments ahead of time so the kids can spend their time creating and not waiting. It might surprise you who enjoys this activity the most!
3. Gingerbread House Competition
This one is one of my family’s personal favorites. The kitchen table gets completely taken over by the gingerbread house kits, bowls of brightly colored candy (purchase some extras) and tubes of icing. Set a timer (or don’t) and see what creations unfold. Be warned: Power tools usually come out when our family gets serious!
4. Charades
A fun family game that gets all ages involved! Come prepared with a themed list of words (Christmas is always fun) or have everyone write down their own suggestions. We always get some crazy words that make things really entertaining (i.e. you know you have fly fishermen in your family when someone writes “wooly booger.”) Put the items in a bowl and let the fun begin!
5. Party Games
The possibilities are endless! Catch phrase, Code Names, Tapple, Picture Telephone, Wits and Wagers, Bang, Resistance…the list goes on! If you have some family members who are not into games or think they aren’t creative enough to play, encourage them to give it a try! If you want help finding the perfect card, dice, or board game for your family, check out PB & J Games in N.W. Edmond.
What family fun ideas would you add to the list? We would love to hear your holiday suggestions!
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. Casey loves all things Christmas, British historical fiction, walks, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
