Simple Wet Weather Games to Brighten a Rainy Christmas

Rain pouring down outside? Storms cutting your power, leaving you without your usual entertainment? 

Don’t let the weather dampen your Christmas spirit! 

Here are some simple, engaging games for adults and children alike that require little to no equipment, ensuring everyone stays entertained no matter the conditions.

For Children

1. Shadow Puppet Stories

If the power’s out, gather some torches (or candles with adult supervision) and let the kids create shadow puppets on the walls. Encourage them to make up their own stories or re-enact favourite tales. All you need are your hands, some imagination, and a darkened room.

2. Christmas Bingo

Create simple bingo cards featuring Christmas-themed items like a snowman, reindeer, or presents. Use small household objects or sweets as markers. If you don’t have pre-made cards, a quick DIY version on paper works perfectly.

3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Hide small festive items (like baubles, wrapped sweets, or tiny toys) around the house and give children clues to find them. Add a Christmas twist by incorporating riddles or themed challenges for each clue.

4. Musical Statues

Using a battery-powered speaker or singing carols yourself, play a round of musical statues. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Add festive poses like pretending to be a Christmas tree or a snowman for extra fun.

5. Pin the Star on the Tree

Adapt the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” by blindfolding players and seeing who can place a paper star closest to the top of a drawn or real Christmas tree. It’s simple, silly, and sure to bring laughs.

For Adults

1. Christmas Charades

A timeless classic! Write down Christmas-themed prompts (like "building a snowman" or "wrapping presents") on slips of paper and take turns acting them out. No props or electricity required.

2. Festive Trivia

Test everyone’s holiday knowledge with a Christmas quiz. Categories can include movies, carols, traditions, or even family memories. Make it more interactive by adding a “guess the tune” round with humming or whistling.

3. Candlelit or torchlit Storytelling

With the lights out, gather around and take turns telling stories. These can be classic Christmas tales, ghost stories, funny family memories, or even made-up festive adventures. Add a competitive edge by seeing who can come up with the most creative plot.

4. Indoor Bowling

Use empty plastic bottles as pins and a soft ball for bowling. Create a “alley” in a hallway or open space. Add a festive twist by decorating the pins as snowmen or elves.

5. Guess the Gift

Wrap up a few household objects or small items in layers of paper and pass them around. Players must feel the wrapped item and guess what’s inside. The more obscure the object, the better!

Games for Everyone

1. Twenty Questions: Christmas Edition

One person thinks of a Christmas-themed person, place, or thing, and everyone else has 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. Perfect for all ages!

2. Christmas Pictionary

Grab a pad of paper or a whiteboard and sketch out festive phrases or objects for others to guess. A timer adds extra excitement.

3. The Alphabet Game

Choose a Christmas category (e.g., carols, movies, or foods) and go around the group naming items in alphabetical order. For example: "A is for angel, B is for bauble, C is for candy cane."

4. Hot Potato with a Present

Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of paper. Pass it around while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding it removes a layer. The one to unwrap the final layer keeps the gift.

5. Build a Blanket Fort

Turn your living room into a cosy retreat by building a blanket fort together. Once it’s complete, relax inside with snacks, stories, or games.

Christmas 2024: Weather Warnings Might Scupper Your Travel Plans: What to do

Stuck at the airport? Plan ahead!

As Christmas 2024 approaches, the festive season brings not only joy and togetherness but also potential travel challenges. 

With the UK’s notoriously unpredictable winter weather, staying prepared is key to ensuring your holiday plans aren’t completely derailed. 

Here’s how to stay informed, manage the situation, and adapt if adverse weather affects your travel arrangements.

Stay Informed

Keeping up to date with the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories is essential. Here are some tips to stay ahead:

Check Reliable Weather Sources:

Use trusted sources like the Met Office website or app for accurate and timely updates on weather conditions and warnings.

Enable notifications for severe weather alerts in your area and along your planned travel route.

Monitor Travel Updates:

Regularly check the status of public transport services, including trains, buses, and flights. Websites and apps for National Rail, local bus operators, and airlines often provide real-time updates.

For road travel, the Highways England website and apps like Waze can help you stay informed about closures or delays.

Stay Connected:

Follow local councils, transport services, and weather agencies on social media for the latest updates.

Keep an eye on news outlets for broader coverage of weather impacts.

Prepare for Disruptions

Even with the best planning, unexpected weather can still cause delays or cancellations. Here’s how to stay on top of the situation:

Plan Ahead:

If possible, build extra time into your travel plans to account for delays.

Have a backup route or alternative mode of transport in mind, if possible.

Pack Essentials:

Carry a small emergency kit, including snacks, water, a phone charger or power bank, and warm clothing.

If travelling by car, ensure you have de-icer, a scraper, a torch, and a blanket.

Know Your Rights:

Familiarise yourself with your rights in case of travel cancellations. For example, airlines and train operators often have policies for refunds or rebooking due to weather-related disruptions.

Check your travel insurance to see what’s covered in case of cancellations or delays.

What to Do If Travel Is Cancelled

If the weather forces cancellations, here’s how to adapt:

Communicate:

Inform family or friends of any changes to your plans as soon as possible.

Contact your travel provider to understand your options for rebooking or refunds.

Stay Safe:

Avoid unnecessary travel in hazardous conditions. Your safety is more important than arriving on time.

If stranded, seek shelter and assistance from local authorities or transport operators.

Make the Best of It:

If you’re unable to travel, consider celebrating remotely with video calls or rescheduling gatherings for a safer date.

Take the opportunity to enjoy a quieter, cosy Christmas at home.

While the weather may be beyond your control, staying informed and prepared can make all the difference. By keeping an eye on forecasts, having contingency plans, and knowing your rights, you can navigate any disruptions with confidence. 

Here’s to a safe and merry Christmas 2024, no matter where you celebrate!