Christmas Party Games For Kids

Here's a variety of Christmas Party Games that you and the family can play this year!

Speedy Unwrapper: Take a series of boxes, small, medium and large. Wrap the smallest box the way you would wrap a regular gift. Place it inside the medium box. Wrap the medium box so that it's tougher to unwrap than the smaller one.

Now place the medium box down into the larger box. Wrap the larger box with layers of wrapping paper and use tough tape, like box tape or duct tape. Divide the party attendees into two groups.

Each member has exactly thirty seconds each to try and unwrap the box. At the end of the time limit, the team with the box or boxes that's most unwrapped wins. Make sure you have a prize for the winning team members.

Ornament Relay: This one has to be played outside or in a large room indoor (this one is great for any church Christmas parties). Divide the people into two even teams. Pick one person from each team to be the starter.

The starter has to pile his or her hands full of round, plastic Christmas balls and run to his or her team member to transfer the balls. The recipient then runs back to the home base (a large bucket or tin tub) to deposit the balls, then runs back.

The next person then has to run to the home base, gather all the balls and run back with them. Any balls that the runner accidentally losing must be recovered before he or she can continue on the race.

Christmas Charades: For a twist on a favorite Christmas party game, use familiar Christmas events as the charade. Use events such as stuffing the turkey, decorating the tree, wrapping gifts etc. If you're going to have a party for children and need games suited to their age level, choose from among these fun games:

Mystery Stocking: Take a large stocking and put several Christmas related items suitable for a child inside. Make sure the top of the stocking is fastened securely. Pass the stocking around and let each child have a few minutes to feel it. Then have them write down what they think is inside (or tell you if they're too young). The child with the closest guess wins the stocking.

Word Formation: Have sheets of paper for each child. At the top of the paper, write the words 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays.' The object is to write as many words as possible using only the letters at the top of the page. Give a five minute time limit.

Pin the Toys in the Sleigh: Tape a sleigh to the wall. Give each child a paper 'present'-something you might find in Santa's sleigh. Blindfold each participant on his or her turn and have them try and pin the present inside the sleigh. Closest one wins.

What better way to make memories at holiday time than to host or attend a party? If your house is party central this year, here are some ideas for party games. The entire family can get involved.

While you are attending all of the office parties and church functions, don't forget family time. If you have a lot of immediate family in the area, plan on getting together for the holidays. Even if you are attending another family-oriented party, games are a great way to break the ice amongst people who you don't know.

It's not too hard to think of party ideas. Some are simply games you have already played but with a holiday theme. Whatever games you play, be sure that you have prizes for the winners.

1. Christmas Word Search - Make several copies for both kids and adults. You can find holiday word searches puzzles on the Internet and in bookstores. Using a timer, give everyone two minutes to find as many words from the list as they can.

2. Name that Holiday Tune - Divide into teams. Someone who is not playing (or who will be the game show host) will think up names for holiday songs and write them on pieces of paper. One person from each team has to take a paper and then hum the tune for the rest of their team. The teammates have one minute to name the holiday tune. If they can't the chance passes to the other team.

3. Holiday Win, Lose or Draw - Remember this show? One team member chooses a phrase and then has to draw it for the other members to try and guess. Since it is Christmas, make all of the phrases something to do with the holiday season. Your team gets 90 seconds to guess the right answer. If they don't, play passes to the other team.

4. Holiday Family Feud - Again divide into teams. Ask a question of two opposing team mates. The first one to answer correctly with the highest answer on the board wins control. The rest of the game proceeds just like the game show. Remember to use holiday categories (such as "Name the twelve days of Christmas?").

5. Christmas Auction House - Instead of giving assorted prizes for winning games, give game money, reindeer bucks. At the end of the game session, each person with money can bid on a gift that they want from the gift table. Everything will be wrapped so they don't know what they are bidding for. Buy enough gifts for everyone to take home something, even those without money (give them their gift at the door on the way out).

Can you think of more ideas? These are only a few to get you started. When you invite guests to the party, ask them to bring materials for at least one party game. You will have a blast until the wee hours of the morning.