Christmas is a season filled with warmth, laughter, and most importantly, togetherness. But beyond the gift giving, the presents under the tree and the festive meals shared around the table, lots of families have one tradition that continues to bring them and their friends closer together – the simple joy of gathering around the table and playing games. Whether it’s a quick-fire party game that has everyone in stitches or a classic strategy game that sparks friendly rivalry, board games (that can also include card games and tabletop games) capture the spirit of Christmas in a way few other social activities can.
There is something unique about gathering your friends and family at Christmas for the simple act of all huddling around playing board games. There is already plenty of festive excitement in the air and the fun of playing games just adds that extra layer of magic to this special time of year. Once those games are removed from the shelf or cupboard and hit the table, they provide a chance to connect the generations, from the youngest to the oldest, with grandparents, parents and children all joining in together. Unlike many modern forms of entertainment, board games encourage face-to-face interaction, storytelling and plenty of shared laughter while encouraging friendly competition. They remind us that the best memories are often made not through screens, but through moments of play and conversation.
Christmas is a very busy time with everybody preparing for the festivities. The playing of games offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle as well as providing good quality family time. After the whirlwind of shopping, cooking and the endless wrapping of presents, sitting down to play a game can feel like a breath of fresh air and can be extremely relaxing. Game night is a chance to slow down, enjoy each other’s company and focus on something light-hearted while still being entertaining and fun and helps to calm your racing mind. The beauty of board games lies in their versatility – there are games that suit every mood, every personality and every age group. From quiz and trivia games that test your general, or even specialist, knowledge to cooperative adventures where everyone works together to win the game, the variety of games available ensures that no one is left out.
The festive season is the perfect time for a little friendly competition. Games like Cluedo, Monopoly or Scrabble have been go to staples of family festive gatherings for decades and they continue to spark playful rivalries. Who will solve the mystery first, who will build the biggest property empire or who will come up with the highest-scoring word? These moments of friendly competition often lead to laughter, a little bit of teasing (and sometimes the odd tantrum) and stories that are retold year after year. And when the roll of the dice doesn’t go your way, well there’s always another round to redeem yourself or you can get your revenge in another game.
For families, playing board games are a wonderfully inclusive way get younger children and adults of all ages to join in with the festivities. Simple, colourful games like Dobble, Bluey Shopping List or Mouse Trap are games that are easy to learn and full of fun. These games are great fun to play and are excellent at encouraging skills such as teamwork, patience and creativity, while also giving children a sense of belonging at the table. Watching the excitement light up their faces as they take part in the game is often just as rewarding and pleasurable as playing it yourself.
Christmas-themed games are perfect for the festive season with titles such as 12 Games of Christmas or The Christmas Express Game. At this time of year when the focus is on family, these games are excellent for bringing everybody together.
And Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a few party games thrown in to get everybody taking part in the festivities. Fast-paced, hilarious options like Do You Really Know Your Family?, Exploding Kittens: The Board Game or What Were You Thinking? are perfect for larger groups. And for kids and families, titles such as No Brainer, Step Right Up! and Fact or Fake? Ultimate keep everybody entertained. These types of fun games help to break down barriers, get everyone laughing and create moments of pure silliness. Games such as these thrive on spontaneity and humour, making them ideal for festive evenings when spirits are high and the mince pies are flowing.
Ultimately, the playing of board games over the Christmas season is about more than the games themselves. It’s more about taking part, togetherness and creating lifelong memories; that mispronounced word in Taboo that sends everyone into fits of laughter, the impossible comeback in Uno or the tradition of playing the same game every year after dinner. These special moments become woven into the fabric of family life creating some enjoyable family Christmas traditions. Wonderful memorable moments that will be forever cherished and stories that will be retold long after the decorations have been packed away.
So this Christmas, as the fairy lights twinkle and the Christmas-themed music plays (or maybe carolers singing at your door), make space at the table for a board game or two. Whether you’re rolling dice, drawing cards or racing to shout out the right answer, you’ll be giving yourself, as well as your loved ones, the greatest gift of all: time together, filled with laughter, connection and the joy of funtastic play.