Family Gathering Bingo: A Fun Game for Holidays and Get-Togethers
Every family gathering has its classics. Someone tells you that you've "gotten so big," even though you've been the same height for twenty years. Someone is late. Someone falls asleep on the couch before dessert.
Our Family Gathering bingo card turns all those moments into a game. Bring it to Thanksgiving, the holidays, a birthday or a Sunday dinner, and see who gets the first bingo.
How it works
- Open the Family Gathering card on your phone, or print a stack for the whole family.
- Hand them out when everyone arrives.
- Mark a square when it happens.
- Five in a row is a bingo. First one to shout it wins bragging rights (or the last piece of pie).
Everyone gets their own shuffled card, so the kids, the cousins and the grandparents can all play together.
The classic moments
Things someone will definitely say
- "You've gotten so big!"
- "So, are you seeing anyone?"
- "Back in my day..."
- Someone asks about work
- Someone talks about the weather (and the traffic)
Things that always happen
- Someone's late
- Someone mixes up names
- Someone asks for tech help
- A pet steals food
- Someone spills a drink
- A long goodbye at the door
The good stuff
- Hug a relative
- A grandparent tells a story
- Learn a family recipe
- Share what you're thankful for
- Laugh until you cry
Get everyone moving
Big family meals usually mean a lot of sitting. The card has a few squares to get people up:
- Family walk after dinner
- Play catch or tag outside
- Play with the kids
- Dance
- Walk 5,000 steps
A walk after dinner is one of the best family traditions there is. Everyone feels better, and some of the best conversations happen on the way around the block.
Why it works
It breaks the ice. Not everyone sees each other often. A bingo card gives everyone something to laugh about together.
It gets the kids involved. Kids love spotting things, and they're usually the first to notice when Uncle Dave falls asleep.
It turns awkward moments into wins. When someone asks if you're seeing anyone, at least now you get a square for it.
Ready for the next get-together?
Print a few copies of the Family Gathering bingo card before your next holiday or family dinner. Tell us in the comments: what's the one thing that always happens at your family gatherings?
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