Get the Room Moving
After sitting down for a heavy holiday meal, it is often necessary to change the energy in the house. Movement games do not need to be chaotic or unstructured. By establishing clear physical boundaries and simple objectives, you can encourage physical activity while maintaining a calm, welcoming environment. The key is in the spatial preparation.
The Paper Star Search
A variation of traditional hide-and-seek, but focused on objects rather than people. This prevents the physical strain of hiding behind furniture and keeps the action visible and manageable for the host.
Materials to Gather
- 15 to 20 paper stars (cut from thick card or origami paper).
- A designated "collection point," like a decorative bowl on the main table.
Preparation
- Ensure the room is free of tripping hazards (stray wrapping paper, extension cords for the Christmas tree).
- While participants wait in another room, place the stars around the designated play area. Keep them in plain sight or partially obscured; never require moving heavy objects to find them.
- Place the collection bowl centrally.
Play
- Invite the participants back into the room.
- Explain the boundaries clearly (e.g., "Only in the living room, nothing is placed higher than the mantelpiece").
- Participants walk (do not run) to find the stars and bring them back to the collection bowl one by one.
Standard Rule
Participants search simultaneously until all stars are accounted for.
Adaptation
Assign specific colors to specific players. This ensures a faster player does not gather all the objects before a slower player has a chance to participate.
The Gentle Relay
Relays can often escalate into high-energy races. By selecting objects that require balance rather than speed, you shift the focus to dexterity and focus, making it a much safer indoor activity.
Materials to Gather
- Two wooden spoons or flat spatulas.
- Two unbreakable, round ornaments or tightly balled pairs of socks (the "snowballs").
- A piece of ribbon to mark the turnaround point.
Preparation
- Clear a straight path across the room, at least 10 feet long.
- Lay the ribbon on the floor at the far end to mark where players must turn around.
- Divide the participants into two equal groups, or simply set up two parallel tracks for individuals to try.
Play
- The active player holds the spoon with the ornament balanced in the bowl.
- They must walk from the starting line, around the ribbon, and back without dropping the object.
- If the object falls, they must pause, pick it up, place it back on the spoon, and resume from that exact spot.
Standard Rule
The team that finishes the relay sequence first wins.
Adaptation
Remove the race element entirely. Challenge participants to see if they can navigate a mild obstacle course (like stepping over a cushion) without dropping the item.