Dr Zoe Williams shares the benefits of board games for this Christmas

Gathering around the tabletop for a good game is a highlight for many of us these days, and particularly so over the festive season. 

But, these times spent connecting are more than just great fun, points out ITV This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams.

“Looking back, we'd all sit round the TV to watch the big movie at Christmastime, but times have changed. 

"With so many ways that members of the family are accessing media, things have become more disconnected,” said Dr Zoe.

"Games are more than ever a great way to bring generations together, and if the big day can sometimes bring some family tensions, they’re also a great way to break the ice and keep positive energy flowing.”

Time spent playing games can bring many other benefits too, from reducing screen time to de-stressing and keeping brains active. Here, Dr Zoe Williams shares more of the benefits of games:

- The benefits of switching off from day-to-day stresses are well known. Games that bring your focus to the here-and-now offer an informal mindfulness practice that will encourage a sense of well-being.

- 'Laughter is the best medicine' is a popular saying for good reason. Getting together with a group of friends or family and giggling your way through a game offers health benefits long after the game is over.

- The sense of achievement that comes from completing a game, not necessarily winning (!) gives that little helpful dopamine boost that will lift your mood and confidence.

- Human connection is so important in this digital age. In an age where life is led so often behind a screen, playing a game face-to-face around a table offers that all-important human connection.

- The various gameplay mechanics in games may help improve memory, boost logical thinking, spatial awareness and so many other skills – for players of all ages.

In the mood to take to the tabletop? Here are some top playful picks from one of Europe's foremost  games experts, Ravensburger:

Best Game for family fun

Mycelia

This beautifully illustrated game offers an introduction to deckbuilding play and younger players will love the interactivity of the forest shrine. Clear your game card of the sparkling dewdrops to win the game. Winner of Best Family Game in the UK Games Expo awards and the Imagination Gaming Awards, this game will have you absorbed in magical fun whether you play solo or with others. Suitable for players from age 9 to adult. RRP 27.99GBP

Best Game for giggles

Oh My Pigeons!

Flock around the table for birdbrained antics in this fun party game. Be the first to fill your park bench with pigeons to win. Play your cards carefully and you might steal birds from your opponents – but watch out, they might get to ‘flick the poo’ to knock pigeons off your bench too! 2 – 5 players age 8 to adult. RRP 18.99GBP

Best Game for kids

Garden Heist

Racoon versus gardener in this tabletop translation of hide and seek. The box transforms into a house with curtained window. One player will be the gardener while the other players take on the part of raccoons. While the gardener is not looking, the raccoons must make their way up the garden to trash bin paradise, hiding behind obstacles as they go. Who will be victorious? 2 – 4 players age 6+. RRP £24.99

Best Game for Disney fans

Disney Lorcana Gateway

Designed as the perfect introduction to the bestselling Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, players can assemble their favourite Disney characters and race to earn magical story stars! In this fun fantasy game, you use magical ink to summon characters and gather story lore to win! The Lorcana Gateway set contains everything you and a friend need to start playing the immersive trading card game, including a game board, 2 starting decks, 4 additional card packs and gameplay accessories! With a guidebook, rulebook and quick tips inside, you can start playing right out of the box: no experience needed! 2 players age 8 to adult. RRP £2.99

Best Game for a big crowd

That’s Not a Hat 2

In this quick to play card game, you’ll be ‘gifting’ your competitors a range of objects. But, as the items are face down and get passed around the table in all directions, will you remember which item is where? Forget what’s hidden on a card and you’ll have to use your bluffing skills; if you’re called out by an opponent, you’ll get a penalty. 3 to 8 players age 8 to adult. RRP £7.99

Best Game for team work

Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney)

Take on the part of a Disney or Pixar heroine in this cooperative game. As a team, you’ll work together to defeat the darkness spreading across the land – using each player's unique abilities as you go. 2 to 4 players from age 8 to adult. RRP £29.99

ravensburger.com

A Merry Festive Gathering: How to Enjoy Christmas with Card and Board Games

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by gathering friends and family for some heartwarming (and perhaps competitive!) fun with card and board games? 

Christmas is the perfect time to step away from screens, sip on something festive, and dive into the world of games that entertain and bring people closer. Here’s how to make your Christmas gatherings unforgettable with a selection of games that everyone will love.

1. Create the Right Atmosphere

The key to any successful Christmas gathering is the right atmosphere. Transform your home into a warm, inviting space with cosy lighting, some Christmas music softly in the background, and maybe a crackling fire if you’re lucky enough to have one! Consider setting up your main game area with comfortable seating, cushions, and easy access to snacks and drinks.

To keep the festive spirit alive, try organising a "Christmas Game Corner," decorated with garlands, fairy lights, and a little table where all the games are set up. This way, people can pick and choose what they’d like to play throughout the night.

2. Card Games for a Festive Twist

Card games are a classic for gatherings because they’re versatile, require minimal space, and can suit any age group or group size. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained:

Snap! Christmas Edition

This is a quick, fun game that kids and adults alike can enjoy. For a festive twist, you can swap traditional cards with Christmas-themed ones. The excitement builds as players slap down their cards, hoping to “snap” matches, making it perfect for short bursts of laughter between courses or as an icebreaker at the start of the night.

Christmas Rummy

A classic rummy game with a festive twist! You can add Christmas-themed challenges or points for specific combinations, such as getting three Santa-themed cards in a row. It’s easy to learn, and the whole family can join in, making it a great way to spend quality time together.

Poker… with Mince Pies as Currency

If you’ve got a group who enjoys a bit of light-hearted competition, set up a poker game using mince pies, chocolate coins, or even festive biscuits as betting tokens. This twist adds a bit of Christmas magic to a traditional game, and it’s always a laugh to see people guarding their stash of mince pies fiercely!

3. Go Big with Board Games

For the moments when everyone has settled down after a Christmas meal, a good board game can bring the room to life. Whether it’s the whole family or a mix of friends, here are some options to guarantee a memorable time.

Christmas-Themed Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic, but at Christmas, you can use a themed edition to make it feel more festive. Some versions come with holiday-themed properties and special rules that bring extra cheer to the game. Alternatively, you could DIY a few Christmas rules of your own—like skipping your turn if you can name five Christmas films on the spot or a free pass for bringing out your best Santa impression.

Trivial Pursuit: Festive Edition

Trivial Pursuit is perfect for a crowd that loves a good quiz. The Festive Edition has Christmas-themed questions that range from pop culture to history, so there’s something for everyone. Split up into teams to make it even more competitive, and prepare for some heated (yet friendly) debates over who knows more about holiday traditions.

Pictionary with a Holiday SpinDraw out a laugh by turning Pictionary into a Christmas-themed drawing game. Split into teams, and give everyone a list of festive items or holiday scenarios to draw (like Santa stuck in a chimney, mistletoe, or even a reindeer doing karaoke!). It’s a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing, and no artistic talent is required—just a sense of humour!

4. Keep It Cosy with Some Extra Treats

Make sure there are plenty of festive treats and drinks at hand to keep everyone energised and cheerful. Mince pies, gingerbread, spiced nuts, mulled wine, or hot chocolate are great options. Having a self-serve hot chocolate station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon sticks can add a bit of extra cheer and lets people have fun with customising their drinks.

5. A Few Tips to Make the Night Run Smoothly

Assign a Game Master: It can be helpful to have someone responsible for explaining rules and overseeing the games to keep things moving and prevent any confusion.

Offer Prizes: To encourage some friendly competition, have a few small, festive prizes ready for game winners—anything from a box of chocolates to a silly Christmas hat can add a bit of extra fun.

Keep It Flexible: Allow guests to join or leave games as they wish, especially if there are multiple games happening at once. Some people may prefer a quiet chat or a more laid-back game, so having options allows everyone to enjoy the evening in their own way.

6. Wrapping Up with a Christmas Quiz

Towards the end of the night, a light-hearted Christmas quiz is a brilliant way to finish on a high note. You could create your own questions about Christmas traditions, carols, films, and historical facts. Make it a team effort, and everyone can join in without feeling pressured. It’s a perfect way to wind down before the night comes to an end. Incidentally, That's Christmas will be publishing a special exclusive Christmas Quiz closer to Christmas, so please look out for that.

Final Thoughts

With the right games, a warm atmosphere, and a touch of festive spirit, you’ll have a Christmas gathering everyone will remember fondly. Card games and board games make a wonderful change of pace from the usual festive activities, and they’re the perfect excuse to bring people together, laugh, and celebrate the holiday cheer. So this Christmas, dust off those board games, shuffle those cards, and let the festivities begin!

Educational and Fun Christmas Gifts for Children: The Perfect Balance

Christmastime is a time of joy and wonder, especially for children. Christmas is a magical time when children eagerly anticipate unwrapping their presents. 

While the excitement of toys and gadgets is undeniable, it's also an excellent opportunity to choose gifts that can entertain and educate simultaneously. In this blog post, we'll explore a selection of educational and fun Christmas gifts for children that strike the perfect balance between learning and play.

Educational Board Games

Board games are a fantastic way to engage children in learning while having fun. Games like Scrabble, Monopoly, and Settlers of Catan teach valuable skills such as vocabulary, math, and strategy. There are also many educational board games designed specifically for young learners, covering topics like geography, history, and science. These games encourage critical thinking and social interaction, making them a perfect choice for family game nights during the holidays.

Building and Construction Sets

Building and construction sets, such as LEGO, K'Nex, and Magna-Tiles, offer a unique blend of creativity and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. These sets allow children to explore their imagination while developing spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. From constructing buildings to designing vehicles, these kits inspire young minds to think critically and innovatively.

Science Kits

Science kits provide a hands-on learning experience that can spark a child's curiosity about the world around them. Kits that focus on topics like chemistry, astronomy, or geology are not only entertaining but also educational. Children can conduct experiments and discover scientific principles, encouraging an interest in the STEM fields from an early age.

Educational Apps and Software

In today's digital age, educational apps and software can be excellent tools for learning and having fun. There are countless apps and programs designed to teach children a wide range of subjects, from language arts to coding. Look for apps that incorporate gamification to make learning enjoyable and interactive. Many of these apps feature colourful graphics, engaging challenges, and rewards to keep children motivated.

Art Supplies

Creativity is a crucial aspect of a child's development. Art supplies like crayons, coloured pencils, markers, and craft kits allow children to express themselves while enhancing their fine motor skills and creativity. Encourage your child's artistic endeavours by gifting them high-quality art materials and inspiring them to create masterpieces during the Christmas break.

Books

Books are timeless gifts that provide a gateway to knowledge and imagination. Whether it's picture books for young readers or engaging chapter books for older children, a well-chosen book can ignite a passion for reading and learning. Consider gifting a series of educational books related to a child's interests, such as science, history, or adventure.

Educational Puzzles

Puzzles come in various forms, from jigsaw puzzles to brain-teasers. They enhance problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive development. Educational puzzles may focus on geography, mathematics, or even famous works of art. These not only entertain but also challenge a child's intellect in an enjoyable way.

This Christmas, while you enjoy the festivities and exchange gifts, consider selecting presents that offer both fun and educational value for the children in your life. By striking a balance between learning and play, you can help foster a love for knowledge and creativity, setting them on a path of continuous growth and exploration. These gifts will not only bring joy during the holiday season but will also contribute to a child's overall development in the long run.