Three Simple Activities for Christmas Parties

Written by Richard E. Dodge

What are you planning to do - other than eat - when friends or your Sunday School class come over for that Christmas party? Have you even thought about involving your guests in something other than informal conversation? 

Certainly those moments of informal conversation are important, particularly for newcomers to the group. This allows everyone to build relationships on a more personal level. But getting participants involved in group activities builds relations for the class or group at a higher level. Building a sense of identity with the group as a whole is important for keeping participants involved.

If you haven't planned any special activities - or if you’re panicking because nothing has come to mind - here are three activities you might consider. Click on the title for a downloadable document you can photocopy and use with your group. If you prefer to provide the worksheets in color, print one copy for each group you plan to form. Note that answers are provided for each activity.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following worksheets are large and may take extra time to download.

A Quick Christmas Quiz
This is a simple group activity based on hymns and songs familiar to most people. Organize participants into groups of three or four (or two couples). Provide each person a copy of the quiz and give them five minutes to match the items. Explain that the statement on the left provides a clue that can help them find the related title in the column on the right. Point out that two of the titles are not used.

Christmas Quiz
This true-false quiz is more complicated. The content is based on facts published in a variety of sources about Christmas. Form groups of four to eight persons. Provide each group or individual with a copy of the worksheet. You could set a time limit, call time when the first group completes the quiz, or wait until each group is finished before calling time. 

Mixed Up Christmas Quiz
This simple quiz is a scrambled-letter puzzle. Ask participants to work individually or pairs to unscramble the words. Again, an answer sheet is the second page of this worksheet.

Provide a simple reward for winning couples or groups, such as inexpensive Christmas ornaments or candy. If you enjoy creating certificates and awards on your computer, create some simple awards to present to the winners during the group’s next meeting.

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