How to Play "Chringo" While Opening Christmas Gifts

Holiday gift giving is the most enjoyable time of the year. It's gives us the opportunity to share special times with the people are precious to us. At times, it's the most fun kids get to have all year. So why not make it extra special!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Markers
• Gift Tags
• Gifts

1. Gift Chart. Make a chart or table with the names of each child/family member at the top of a column. List random numbers under each name. Ensure that you have enough numbers for all the gifts you plan to give. These numbers will later be transferred to the gift tags for the presents. (The Gift Chart is for your eyes only, therefore you're the only person who knows what's in all the boxes!)

2. "Chringo" Playing Card. Using a sheet of paper, make a card for each person that has been assigned numbers. List their name at the top of the card. Draw a grid (tic tac toe). Inside the grid, write the same random numbers that were used to create the Gift Chart. Make sure you use the numbers that were initially assigned to each person. For fun, add in some additional numbers to fill-in their playing card.

3. Before Wrapping Gifts. Using the Gift Chart, write the random number that corresponds to the name of the person receiving the gift somewhere on the box or package. Place a mark next to the numbers as you use them to avoid duplicates. (I typically use an upward slash when marking boxes and a downward slash when applying gift tags -- the "X" ensures no duplicates.)

4. After Wrapping Gifts. Apply a gift tag. Next to "TO": Write in the random number assigned to the recipient of the gift. Remember to make a downward slash or other identifying mark to remind yourself that the process for this gift has been completed. Continue the process until all of your presents are marked appropriately.

5. Play "Chringo" and Unwrap Gifts! It's time to unwrap the gifts! Hand each child their playing card and a pencil. Now, you're ready to play "Chringo"! Call out a number from the Gift Chart. If the number appears on a person's playing card, first they have to find the gift (if it's under the tree) and then they get to open it! If the number doesn't appear on their playing card, they have to wait until you call out a number that does. Remember to mark off numbers are you call them out.

6. As kids get older and gifts get more expensive (and fewer in number), this activity extends the time you get to spend together opening gifts. The mystery isn't over until the last gift is unwrapped. This is a good opportunity for some quality family time and to have a lot of fun in the process.

7. Happy Holidays!