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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out the best board games to play this Christmas to keep the family busy and entertained!
Gathering around the table to play board games with family and friends is a cherished tradition for many people, especially at Christmas when the house is full and family members of all ages need to be kept entertained.
When family all crammed together can be riddled with potential conflict and squabbles, playing board games creates a sense of camaraderie and shared enjoyment. The anticipation of the next game, the cheers of victory, and the groans of defeat, bring us together for proper festive fun.
Tips For Playing Christmas Board Games
- Choose games that appeal to everyone: Select games that are appropriate for the age range and interests of the players.
- Set the mood: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with festive decorations and warm lighting.
- Keep the games short and engaging: Choose games that are not too long or complex, especially for younger players.
- Take breaks and enjoy the company: Allow time for socializing and catching up between games.
- Be flexible and have fun: Adapt the rules and objectives to suit the group’s preferences and enjoy the shared experience.
The Best Board Games To Play This Christmas
Monthly searches for the classic Battleships game increased to 12,000, a 265% increase in searches, following the release of Netflix’s “Squid Games: The Challenge.” The show’s strategic and confrontational elements seem to have reignited interest in this naval combat game.
This made me curious about which the best games are to play this Christmas and what makes them so suitable for family festive fun. To help me out, the team at Digital PR Lab sent over their analysis into search data to predict the board games you’ll likely be playing this festive season, letting the numbers speak for themselves.
1. Scrabble
A classic in wordplay, Scrabble has seen an uptick in searches, possibly due to the recent social media trends, reigniting interest in this vocabulary-building game. Scrabble is an excellent choice for a family game during the Christmas season, offering a blend of intellectual challenge, friendly competition, and opportunities for shared enjoyment.
Scrabble challenges players to think creatively and strategically, using their knowledge of vocabulary and word formation to build high-scoring words. This mental exercise can be both fun and stimulating for players of all ages, encouraging them to learn new words and expand their linguistic skills.
Scrabble’s compact size and easy setup make it a convenient choice for family Christmas gatherings. The game can be easily set up on a table, coffee table, or even a blanket on the floor, making it adaptable to various settings.
2. MonopolyÂ
The London Edition of Monopoly, featuring iconic locations, continues to be a favourite, with new players discovering the various editions of the game every day.
Monopoly, a classic board game that has been entertaining families for generations, offers a compelling combination of strategic gameplay, memorable moments, and opportunities for bonding that make it a great choice for family gatherings during the Christmas season.
Monopoly provides a common ground for family members to connect, communicate, and engage in friendly competition. The game encourages shared laughter, playful banter, and memorable moments that become part of the family’s Christmas traditions.
3. Cluedo
This mystery-solving game, known as Clue in other regions, has maintained steady popularity, particularly with the release of themed editions and interactive online versions.
Cluedo immerses players in a thrilling murder mystery, challenging them to use their powers of observation, deduction, and logical reasoning to identify the culprit, the murder weapon, and the room in which the crime occurred. This element of mystery-solving keeps players engaged and mentally stimulated, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Cluedo has stood the test of time, remaining a popular family game for generations. Its enduring appeal ensures that it will continue to be a source of fun, deduction, and shared laughter for families during Christmas and throughout the year.
4. Trivial PursuitÂ
The UK edition of Trivial Pursuit, with questions tailored to British history and culture, remains a favourite for trivia buffs.
A captivating and entertaining knowledge-based game, Trivial Pursuit offers a compelling combination of intellectual challenge, friendly competition, and opportunities for bonding that make it a great choice for family gatherings during the Christmas season.
Trivial Pursuit provides a common ground for family members to connect, communicate, and engage in friendly competition. The game encourages shared laughter, playful banter, and memorable moments that become part of the family’s holiday traditions.
Trivial Pursuit has remained a popular family game for generations, captivating players of all ages with its mix of knowledge, competition, and opportunities for connection. Its enduring appeal ensures that Trivial Pursuit will continue to be a source of fun, learning, and lasting memories for families during Christmas and throughout the year.
5. Battleship
Battleship, a classic strategy board game that has been engaging families for generations, offers a captivating combination of strategic thinking, suspenseful gameplay, and opportunities for bonding that make it an excellent choice for family game nights during the Christmas season.
Battleship challenges players to think strategically, plan their moves carefully, and use logical deduction to locate their opponent’s ships and sink their fleet. This element of strategic thinking keeps players engaged and mentally stimulated, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Battleship holds a special place in the hearts of many families, evoking nostalgic memories of childhood Christmases and family game nights. The iconic game board, familiar gameplay, and timeless rules create a sense of familiarity and comfort, making Battleship a beloved tradition for generations.
Conclusion
Board games are more than just a pastime; they are a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and enhance the spirit of the holidays. As you gather around the table this Christmas, let the friendly competition, shared laughter, and moments of joy that board games bring be a reminder of the precious bonds that make this season so special.
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