Where is the love for Christmas games? Looking
around, I'm finding Christmas musicals and carols, Christmas-themed
snacks, and Christmas crafts. Don't get me wrong, I love all of
that. But I think it's time we talk about some festive Christmas
games to play with your kids. I found some great games for kids of
all ages that not only are a ton of fun, but also come with
debriefing questions to help kids pick up on the message behind the
activity. Here are five Christmas games for kids of all ages in
your ministry.
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1. Christmas Bingo- For your younger kids who
aren't ready to read yet, try out this
fun Christmas version of bingo. Instead of letters and numbers,
kids get a card of Christmas-related pictures like an angel, Mary,
and a star. Kids use Christmas candies to mark off the images that
you describe. Your children will have a blast playing Christmas
bingo.
2. Treasure Seekers- A game for your 6- to
9-year-old kids, Treasure
Seekers gets kids thinking about why Jesus came to earth.
Blindfolded kids will rely on their teammates, who aren't allowed
to speak, to find candy canes hidden in the room. Afterwards, kids
make the connection that just as the teammates helped guide the
blindfolded kids, Jesus helps guide us to God.
3. Snowball Wreath Toss- With all the
distractions around us, it can be hard to focus on what really
matters this season. The Snowball
Wreath Toss is a fun game for 6- to 9-year-olds that will help
them prepare their hearts for Christmas. Kids toss "snowballs" that
look a lot like ping pong balls into a "wreath" that just happens
to look like a swimming pool noodle. After the challenging game,
kids learn that it can also be challenging to focus our hearts for
Christmas. That's when they learn about giving, thanking, and
celebrating Jesus.
4. Christmas Gift Wrap Race- Want your kids to
understand it's better to give than receive? Help your older kids
understand the giving spirit of Christmas with this
Gift Wrap Race game. Kids are given everything they need to
wrap a present for the world…the only thing is, they have to come
up with the gift. Will they choose peace? An end to hunger? It's up
to them!
5. Bethlehem or Bust- This
silly, fun icebreaker game is perfect for older kids around 10
to 12 years old. Teams will run a relay race while reenacting the
first Christmas using cleaning supplies. For example, kids will
grab a mop and say "Nobroom at the inn!" Not only is it a great way
to do a quick review of the first Christmas, kids will be laughing
the entire time. The game works even better if you can get the
adults to join in as well.
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What games do you and your kids play at Christmastime? Do you
have any special Christmas traditions that make the season special?
Share your thoughts with us in our comment section below!
