Avoid petty family squabbles and children complaining that they’re bored on Christmas Day with some fun activities for the whole family.

Swimming pool and other water games

Realistically, everyone that has a pool will be spending some time in it over Christmas.

There are loads of pool games on the market or you can use beach balls and other waterproof toys to make your own.

You can even use a length of plastic to make your own slip ‘n slide in the garden.

Sports tournament

If you’re expecting a lot of family over Christmas, a cricket game in the garden or street can keep everyone occupied for quite a while.

Depending on your space and the family’s abilities, you can also play lawn bowls, mini-cricket, volleyball, basketball or hand tennis.

Also read: 4 common holiday emergencies to look out for – and how to prevent them

Divide the family into teams and reward the winners (and losers) with something small at the end of the game (like ice lollies, ice cream or even a sweet treat).

Potjiekos competition

This one is for the cooks in the family.

Instead of the ladies of the house slaving away in the kitchen all day, let each family or group make a different potjie.

This will give everyone quality time together and result in a big meal.

Everyone who didn’t cook can judge the various potjies and the winner can receive a gift or trophy.

Scavenger hunt

This can be tailored to a specific group or location.

Type up a list of activities or items individuals or teams have to compete in a certain amount of time.

Activities can range from making coffee for a relative to doing a handstand.

Photo evidence will be essential.

Items should take some effort to find or players will have to solve a riddle to find out what the item is.

The first player or team back should be rewarded with a small gift.

Board games or card games

Avoid the heat of the day and clear a space in your living room for a board game tournament.

Family members can play games like Monopoly, 30 Seconds, Jenga, Pictionary, Boereplaas and Cluedo in groups and switch or some can play and others spectate.

If you don’t have board games, consider card games like snap, Uno, poker and blackjack, as well as more traditional games like hangman and charades.

Karaoke competition

This is another great group activity that is sure to result in lots of laughs.

If you don’t have a Playstation or Xbox karaoke game and microphone, all you need is a laptop or TV with an internet connection and access to Youtube (there are masses of karaoke songs available).

Christmas concert

Have the kids perform the story of Jesus’ birth or another classic Christmas story, while a teen or adult narrates.

This can also consist of the musical members of the family providing the accompaniment for a Christmas carol sing-along or each family, grouping or individual rehearsing and then performing a short play or exhibiting their talent (singing, dancing, juggling, stand-up comedy).

Everyone can make their own costumes out of things they find in the house.

Also read: Nine games to play on Christmas day

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