Family fun: Games can help enliven holiday parties

The holidays are a time for parties, and parties are a time for games.

Some of the most fun games are those that require interaction and silliness, and perhaps a bit of skill, but little else.

Back in the olden days, when people had parlors, they were called parlor games, because that was how people entertained each other in the days before television and video games.

If you are having an office party, a gathering of friends or neighbors, or are getting together as family, some of these may be just the thing for a bit of fun.

To make things even more interesting, be sure to give prizes.

They don't have to be elaborate — a small favor, a candy bar, something from the dollar store — but they will up the competition. Everyone likes to be a winner.

Mixers and ice-breakers

If you have a mixed group that doesn't know each other well, these are some fun ways to get started.

MIX 'N MATCH

Cut out various Christmas pictures from magazines, comics or other places — the more unusual the better. Past them onto cardstock or cardboard and cut each picture into two oddly shaped pieces. Shuffle them all up, and give one to each guest. Guests must find the person who has the other half of their picture. When they find a match, they have to write a caption to go with the picture and paste it on a wall or lay it on a table. When all the matches are made, read the captions and vote on the best and give that pair a prize.

WHO AM I?

Write the name of a Christmas character on a Post-it Note and stick it on each guest's forehead. That person must try to guess who he is by asking questions of other players. He can only ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no. The first one to guess gets a prize, but keep going until everyone guesses their identity. The last one may get a booby prize.

ALL I WANT

Players sit in a circle. The first person says her first name and something that she would like for Christmas that begins with the same letter. For example, "My name is Mary, and I want a motorcycle."

The next player says his name and what he wants, and then must repeat what the other person has said. And so one, with each one having to repeat the entire list. If someone messes up, he is out, and play starts over. Christmas gifts cannot be repeated by other players with the same letter. Go until only a few are left, and give them prizes.

IN GROUPS

Have all players stand around the room. Then call out a number between 2 and 10. Players must immediately form groups of that number by locking elbows with each other. Players who can't join a group are out. Call another number, and new groups must form. Be sure to call numbers that will have odd numbers left over. Keep going until only one group is left.

Circle games

ADVERBILY