Intro
No doubt you’ve played noughts and crosses 101 times as a kid. But have you played it with snowmen and gingerbread men? Probably not!
This is your classic game, played at scale, with a festive twist. You simply mark out a giant grid with masking tape and use Christmas ornaments instead of drawing noughts and crosses. It’s perfect for just 2 people or you can play in pairs or teams if in a group.
As you no doubt know, noughts and crosses is a mixture of fun and frustration. One minute you’re winning, then your opponent blocks you, then you’re winning again (if you’re lucky!)
What you need
- Masking tape or thick cord
- 10 Christmas ornaments, such as gingerbread men or snowmen (5 of each, making sure they’re all the same)
The Activity
- Prepare the game by laying out the cord/masking tape in a noughts and crosses grid
- Invite those taking part to sit around the table
- Explain/remind everyone of the rules of the game: To win, one player must get 3 ornaments in a row vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. They must take it in turns to place one ornament on one square
- Play for as long as everyone is having fun
- Playing with a larger group? Play in pairs and take it in turns
Top tip
Playing in a group? Make things a bit more competitive by giving the team with the most wins a prize. How about a gingerbread man biscuit for everyone?