The Second Wednesday Before Christmas Countdown - Family Game Night

Family Game Night

After the presents are opened and the Christmas dinner is finished, you might wonder, "What should we do now?" Why not ensure one of the presents under the tree this year is a gift for the entire family? Incorporating a family game into your holiday traditions can be a fantastic way to wind down after the day's excitement. Sitting down for a game with the kids, grandparents, extended family, or visiting friends can bring everyone together and create lasting memories.

Exciting Family Games

One of our all-time favorites has always been Monopoly. Whether it's the classic board game or a digital version, Monopoly is a game many can enjoy. The only drawback is it can take quite a while to play. That's why this year, we're excited to try Monopoly Chance, which promises to deliver the fun of the original in just 20 minutes. Designed for two to four players, it's perfect for smaller groups. If you have a larger family, consider setting up multiple game tables. Players can rotate between tables after each round or game completion, allowing everyone to interact with different family members and keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

One of the best parts of family game night is the quality time spent together—the laughter, the conversations, and the joy of shared experiences. It's also an opportunity to distract kids from their phones and video games. While online gaming can be social, there's something special about sitting face-to-face around a table, engaging in friendly competition or collaboration.

Add a Twist to Family Game Night

If you're hosting a larger group, consider adding a puzzle table to the mix. So many beautiful and unique puzzles are available that you will indeed find one that suits your family's tastes. A puzzle can be a relaxing and satisfying activity for all ages, and if you love the finished product, you can even frame it as a keepsake to admire for years to come.

Create Your Own Family Game Night

Making your own games can be fun and rewarding for those who enjoy getting creative. In the past, I've created family games with prizes inspired by ideas found on YouTube and Pinterest. One popular activity was a Christmas Gift Card Tree. We hung gift cards on a tree, each representing a $25 value. Some were winners, while others had a zero or minimal balance. To decide who picked first, we played a trivia game.  Another way to determine the order of choosing the gift card is to draw numbers from a hat. The best part is that you decide how the game flows; there is no right or wrong way to determine the selection of the gift cards off the tree.  It was a simple yet fun project—painting the tree on a cardboard box and assembling the game—and the whole family found it creative and enjoyable.

Family Game Night Tradition

As Christmas approaches, now is the perfect time to plan these extra activities to keep everyone engaged and happy. Do you have a favorite family game or holiday tradition? We'd love to hear about it. Please share your ideas in the comments below. The Christmas countdown is almost over, and we're looking forward to celebrating with our loved ones and all of you!