Christmas Eve afternoon is the longest afternoon of the year for kids. The excitement is high, the presents are off-limits, and screens are the easy way out. Here's an alternative that keeps them busy for an hour and gets them working together.
Turn your home into an escape room
An escape room is a set of puzzles that lead from one to the next. Kids solve a code, which tells them where to find the next clue, until they reach the end. At home, the 'room' is your living room, and the clues are envelopes you hide before they start.
Escape the Frozen Snow Globe is a ready-made version with a Christmas story: Pip the elf has frozen Santa's snow globe and locked the Workshop, and the kids have to crack the codes and find the hidden snowflake clues to save Christmas.
- Ages 8 to 12, or younger kids with a helper
- 2 to 6 players
- 45 to 60 minutes of play
- About 15 minutes of setup: you'll need scissors, 4 envelopes and pencils
- Prints at home in colour or black and white
It includes a host guide, four puzzle envelopes, an answer key, hint cards and a winner certificate for the end.
Tips for running it
- Set up while they're out. Hide the envelopes during a walk or a nap so the first clue is a real surprise.
- Keep hint cards handy. A stuck kid gets frustrated quickly. A hint at the right time keeps things fun.
- Mix the ages. Pair older kids with younger cousins so everyone has a job.
- End with a reward. Hand out the winner certificate, or let the rescue unlock one early present.
Planning the rest of the holiday
If you're the one running Christmas this year, the Holiday Gift & Budget Planner keeps the gift list, budget, card list and party plans in one spreadsheet, so nothing gets forgotten and the spending doesn't sneak up on you.