It got us thinking though, what sort of games can you play at Christmas that the whole family will enjoy?

Here are our thoughts but of course, if you know of some great family festive games, let us know by emailing  [email protected], and we will share them on our social media.

1. Hunt the Candy Canes

This will get your children moving about. Grab some candy cane treats and hide them around the house. Then, send the children to find them, making sure they have collected all of them before they can start munching!

Let’s be honest, you’ll need a sit down so as the children are looking for candy canes, have a rest with a little glass of something festive!

2. Snowballs

White marshmallows make great snowballs. And what do snowballs make? Snowball fights! Now we’re not talking about launching them at each other, but you could either see who can toss the most into a cup or bucket. Whoever collects the most gets to eat them! YUM. Make sure your hands are super clean for this one!

3. Gloves On

This is a staple favourite in many households and is COVID friendly! All you need is a pair of oven gloves or mitts, and some things to pick up. You then take it in turns to try to pick up objects like a tennis ball, sweets or a pencil. You’ll be all fingers and thumbs as it’s trickier than it looks. While it is fun, avoid any tears and tantrums by making sure there is something that little ones will be able to pick up.

4. Ho-Ho-Hoopla

This game is straightforward. All you need is an ornamental reindeer (nothing precious or fancy) and some hoops. Aim to throw one of the rings over a reindeer’s antler. The winner gets to snaffle a sweet! Make sure the reindeer is not breakable or sentimental!

5. Pics of Christmas Past

This can be great fun. It’s a guess who game. Before the big day, ask your family and friends to send you pictures of themselves at Christmas parties when they were children. Tie the photos on a piece of tinsel and then take it in turns to guess who! With COVID restrictions in place, you may have to ask for pictures of people who may not necessarily be in your home, but who is known to all who will be visiting.

6. Would you Rather?

This is dead simple. If you have children, chances are they will ask you the “would you rather” question. For example, would you rather eat a fried worm, or stand on an upturned piece of lego? You can turn this into a game. Get an empty jar and some paper. Cut the paper up into squares big enough to write on and ask everyone to write something – as horrible as you wish! Pop the folded pieces of paper into the jar. You then take it in turns to pull out two pieces each. The question is “would you rather…”, and then you have to choose between the answers. Keep it clean and be careful with what is written if you have young children!

7. Knock the Snowmen Down

Fun, and yet sometimes annoying, this game is simple to create. Use some white polystyrene cups turned upside down. Draw snowman faces on each one and then stack them up. You and your guests then have to use a ball of cotton wool or scrunched up wrapping to try and knock over the snowman.

You can get creative with your children with this one. They will love creating the faces of the snowmen.

8. Draw the Carols

Cut up some paper and write on each one the name of a different carol. Divide your guests into teams of two. One teammate picks out a piece of paper and then has to draw that carol – their teammate has to guess the carol. You can play this game as individuals or in pairs. If in pairs, alternate, whoever does the drawing element.

Christmas is a time for fun and family, particularly this year. Making it even more fun is vital for children, but games don’t have to break the bank.

We’re a fun team and have cupboards full of ideas when it comes to Christmas games! We’re also property experts! Get in touch at [email protected] or call us on 01983 292114.