Create Memorable Thanksgiving Moments with Games

While the turkey is roasting and your house smells amazing, what do you do while you and your guests are waiting to feast? Why you play games of course! Getting everyone involved is key to a really fun game or activity! Playing games is a great way to connect with family and friends! One can only talk so much! You create special memories, usually the laughter flows easily, and you don’t have to think about what you’re going to talk about to Great Aunt Martha while you’re enjoying a game! The conversation centers on the game rather than that hot topic that you may be trying to avoid. (So and so got a divorce or got fired from a job) This keeps everything positive and upbeat.

Our family loves to get outside and play an annual game of football! We play more of a flag football game so even the little ones (and older ones) can play! Getting a bit of fresh air will energize everyone and get everyone in the holiday spirit! Doing your own “Turkey Trot” by inviting your guests to take a walk through the neighborhood is another easy, fun activity!

If you’re group is more of a “stay inside and relax by the fire” kind of group, we have lots of indoor games that we love to play! Again, the key is to get as many people involved as possible. Some of our favorites include:

• Speed Chess or Checkers – Set up a game board in the middle of the room. Form two teams, one on each side of the board. Upon go, each person in line gets to move one chess piece or checker (whatever game you’re playing), and takes 1 turn. After your turn, get back in line and the next person goes. You go as fast as you can until there is a winner!
• Puzzles – Put out a holiday themed puzzle and invite guests to gather around the table
• Any Board game – some of our favorites include, Code Names, Blank Slate, Scattegories, Apples to Apples, Taboo, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Flapjacks & Sasquatches game.
• Card Games – Dutch Blitz, Uno, Gin Rummy, Kings in the Corner, Golf and Gin Rummy.
• Minute to Win it games
• Family Trivia – This one requires a little planning but put together a list of trivia questions based on your family or the guests that will be at the party. This usually evokes many stories!
• Any kind of themed hunt for the little ones such as an “Indian Feather Hunt” or a “Mini pumpkin Hunt”.
• Jackbox Games – Using your TV or large projection screen, go online HERE . There may be a small fee to purchase these games, but they are so fun for a group! Each person uses their phone to answer the questions that appear on the large screen.

There are literally hundreds of options of games and activities to do with your group! Choose one or a few! May you laugh a lot & make many fun, joy filled memories this Thanksgiving!