I have a very dear and wonderful older friend (70s) friend who usually joins us, my teeny family for Xmas day.
Dh, 2 dc (13 and 18).
We don't have other family so it's lovely having him. He's extremely interesting and tells wonderful stories and is a born ranconter.
However he's also a long time bachelor, no dc
I think this contributes to making him precious about himself sometimes and what he's willing to do. Eg one year we had a Disney film on and he had a strong reaction putting his hand yo saying he couldn't watch it, it was too much the accents the bright colours etc.
So later on as "background", I put on Morecambe and wise as safe, suit all background. He critised that.
He doesn't like playing any games at all, no board games or card games but we like doing something at the table that's inclusive and fun like charades. He said charades reminds him of his mum who had a stroke years ago.
( 40 plus years ago).
My dc only discovered charades last year and we had a fabulous time (he wasn't there) playing it
It's one of the only times of year we have our table out as well.
My family arnt talkers so charades was a real hit.
I'm not sure what to do because whilst I obviously feel his sensitivity around his mum I also feel bad he had dc he would have played so much charades by now he would have no associations with his mum.
I also feel it's something deeper that he's afraid of losing and didn't want to seem silly.
On the very rare occasions in the past 17 years I've managed to get him to play a game not charadea it's been very funny and highly amusing for all.
I do understand his sensitivity but at the same time he's enjoying Xmas day with a family and I think he has to accommodate what they want also even with a few games?.