The smile on a child’s face at Christmas says it all. The sound of infectious giggles and the sight of glowing grins are truly memorable and a magical part of family gatherings.

If you are looking for fun ways to create even more memories over the silly season, how about partaking in some fun games. These ideas are sure to get everyone involved and best of all, cost next to nothing.

A Christmas twist on a classic

A birthday favourite with a Christmas twist, suitable for kids of all ages, ‘pin the red nose on the reindeer’.

All you need is:

• A large image of Rudolph, or any reindeer.
• Circles out of red paper for the noses.

Attach the reindeer image to a wall or fence at about the same height as those playing. Write each player’s name on one of the noses and put tape on the back to allow it to stick to Rudolph.

Place a blindfold on the first player, hand them their red nose and gently spin them around. See how close they can get their paper nose to Rudolph’s!  The player who gets their nose the closest is the winner.

Christmas present treasure or scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are always popular and better still they can be tailored to the age ranges of kids playing; easy clues for youngsters and more challenging cryptic clues for the older ones. And on a lovely sunny Christmas day, this is a great outdoor activity.

Set aside some small stocking fillers to use as treasure. Magic beans are small and perfect to hide. Another great idea, which never goes out of style, is Lego! Hide your treasures in and around the home and garden.

Give hand written clues relating to each hiding place and let the kids burn off excess energy and excitement whilst searching for them.

Musical statues with classic Christmas carols

You’ll no doubt have carols playing in the background whilst lunch is being served so why not turn it into a fun game.  Kids love playing musical statues so put a little festive twist on an old time favourite. Clear a space for dancing and fun to be had. Everyone can join in and it can be played over and over! Keep a few small gifts handy for the winners.

Santa Says

Simon Says is another fun game that can have everyone involved and it can easily take on a Christmas variation. Assign the role of Simon, or in this case ‘Santa’ and let the fun begin. Everyone must hear the words ‘Santa Says’ before completing any action asked of them.

If they follow an instruction without first hearing the magic words, they need to sit out.

Christmas treat decoration

Kids love getting creative so why not host a Christmas cookie decorating session. Make or buy cookies, gingerbread men or simply cut shapes into slices of bread, and give each child access to sprinkles and colourful icing. There are no rules except to have fun and it’s a great outdoor activity ensuring everyone can easily get into the spirit of Christmas. Once they have finished admiring their work they can eat it too!

These cool games for kids are just the start. Creating Christmas memories is simple, costs next to nothing and best of all has everyone involved.

What are your favourite Christmas Day games to play? Please SHARE in the comments below.

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