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Original poster

Not to do party games

18 replies

onthefarmwithwellies · 14/12/2023 20:08

Everyone seems to talk about "perfect" Christmas afternoon/evenings playing party games with all the family. Is anyone else's reality actually that the kids will go upstairs and play x box and mum and dad will just watch TV like any other night?
There is just so much pressure out there for this picture perfect day and it overwhelms me.

OP posts:
ANightingale · 14/12/2023 20:11

If it's not something you or your family would enjoy, don't do it.

Cotswoldbee · 14/12/2023 20:19

We always used to play bingo.
Everyone joined in and loved it, my mum made sure there was a generous supply of prizes and it went on for a couple of hours.
Christmas day doesn't feel the same without it. ☹️

Blablabla1984 · 14/12/2023 20:36

No games here, everyone is too full after Christmas lunch so we're watching the Christmas shows (Strictly or so) on the sofa, while the kids are mucking into the new toys.

Just do your own thing, remember social media is only for show, half of those people don't have half of the Christmas they're showing up.

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 14/12/2023 20:41

I'm hoping the guests piss off home so I can finally put my feet up!

In my defence they are either very old and tired easily or live far away and don't want to stay over or are a combination of the two Grin

WandaWonder · 14/12/2023 20:52

Pressure from where? If it is not from your family/friends then you are choosing to think about it instead of all just being happy with what you do

Allfur · 14/12/2023 21:34

I think it's kinda nice to do stuff together every now and again

Ohmahgaws · 14/12/2023 22:12

We have guests who love games . i really dont liek games .. I do then .. but they are nit my bag !

MissBuffyAnneSummers · 14/12/2023 22:33

Do what you enjoy. Not what other families enjoy.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 14/12/2023 22:35

I hate family games... I just want to sit and chat or watch something on telly with a bottle of wine/baileys and a box of chocolates. Leave me be! I want peace and quiet.

Itmwtoty · 14/12/2023 22:38

Sorry but yes we really like the time to be not rushing anywhere to be able to play a board game. The kids generally get one or two for Xmas so want to play them. No, we wouldn't spend Xmas with us watching TV downstairs and the kids upstairs on consoles and I'd feel quite sad if we did. I suspect you do too if you are asking. Why not buy some nice games or make a family quiz.

Ohmahgaws · 14/12/2023 23:36

MissBuffyAnneSummers yes but my family is split into those who hate them and those who love them . Family is not just a love em or hate em .. i hate them . But get roped in ( until i can escape to bed)

Eekmystro · 14/12/2023 23:38

We play some games and watch some Tv but are all in the same room.

I really hope we will continue to do things all together

Fionaville · 14/12/2023 23:54

We play games. My parents join in. I couldnt bare for it to be like any other night. My kids love it. It's just like the Christmases we've always had. But we have loads of traditions that have passed down generation to generation. If you don't and it would be 'forced fun' then there's no pressure from anybody else. Nobody else cares what you do. Just do whatever your family would enjoy.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 15/12/2023 00:00

Is anyone else's reality actually that the kids will go upstairs and play x box and mum and dad will just watch TV like any other night?

No, but we're a game-playing kind of family. For people who aren't into that, I can see how it would feel a bit forced to do it just because it's Christmas! We don't really do tv at Christmas tbh.

mamaduckbone · 15/12/2023 07:58

I love games, but my Dh and teenagers are reluctant these days. My dbro's family still all play games (grown up kids) so we will play something when we see them. I usually get a Christmas jigsaw - it's the only time of year that I have time to sit and do it, and I'm not bothered by TV.
You do what you want though - there are no rules for a perfect Christmas

mamaduckbone · 15/12/2023 08:01

Forgot to say though...teenagers wouldn't be upstairs on consoles on Christmas Day. We don't get much family time these days so we do spend it together.
When they were a bit younger and maybe had a new PlayStation game for Christmas we would let them play for an hour or so to try it out, but in those days it would have been downstairs anyway.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 30/12/2023 15:57

I happily let my teen go upstairs and play on PS5. She had a great time chatting with her friends and I had peace and quiet... bliss!

Lucylu1984 · 26/12/2025 19:58

onthefarmwithwellies · 14/12/2023 20:08

Everyone seems to talk about "perfect" Christmas afternoon/evenings playing party games with all the family. Is anyone else's reality actually that the kids will go upstairs and play x box and mum and dad will just watch TV like any other night?
There is just so much pressure out there for this picture perfect day and it overwhelms me.

I have this issue! I grew up in a family where we'd play maybe one board game. Now myself and my daughter live with my partner and when his daughter's visit either Christmas day or boxing day, it's back to back card games, board games, darts...
It's just too much and they're so competitive. I'm ok with maybe one game, but the whole 6/8 hours is just game after game 🫠

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