Christmas Online Games

Types of Internet Holiday Games

From adults who want a quick diversion or a fun way to relax to young preschoolers enthralled with the animation of many online games, there are choices for everyone. Common holiday web games include:

• Puzzles
• Quizzes or trivia games
• Riddles and brain teasers
• Coloring pages
• Action or adventure games, where a player, often a holiday character such as Santa or Rudolph, must avoid pitfalls or make it to the end
• Word scrambles, word searches, and crossword puzzles
• Holiday hangman
• Races
• Christmas matching or memory games
• Decorate a tree/ build a snowman
• Christmas Mahjong
• Find what's different/missing
• Christmas concentration
• Holiday mazes
• Skating, snowboarding, and skiing games

About the Ads and Downloads

While advertisements, particularly the pop-up kind, are certainly annoying, most sites will have at least a few to help the site earn revenue - in other words, the site might not exist without the ads. Make sure your pop-up blocker and virus protection program are running when you play games at unfamiliar sites. Most games are available to play online without having to download.

Downloads may be required, however, of Flash, Java, or Shockwave players in order to view the animation or full graphic design effects of the game -- and some games can't be played without them. You can download from the following sites:

• Adobe Shockwave
• Adobe Flash
• Java Download

Kids Christmas Online Games

Most parents want to, and do, set limits on their child's computer and video game playing. A moderate amount of computer gaming, as research shows, can actually help children build important skills. Aspects such as small motor and manual dexterity skills, problem-solving, and time and measurement concepts can be learned from game playing. Add in the benefit of early technology skills in a computer savvy world, and moderate online gaming is a good choice for kids.

Especially during the winter months, when many families are forced to endure inclement weather, kids’ Christmas games can be an excellent distraction to keep them entertained. Keep in mind that it's best for parents to review websites or play the game with their child before allowing the child to play on their own. The following list includes an example of some of the sites available for kids Christmas online games:

• North pole.com: Check out this site for fun games at the Elf Clubhouse, or browse the site for more fun Christmas activities, like sending Santa a letter or creating a personalized story.
• North Pole Village: Christmas concentration, quiz, word search, along with coloring pages, music, and stories make this virtual North Pole a fun site to explore.
• A Kid's Heart: A listing of online Christmas games to play, as well as other fun and educational activities to enjoy throughout the year.
• The Kidz Page: This site offers bright, fun games for Christmas as well as other holidays. Check out Snowball Bounce, Penguin Pitch Softball, Snow Maze, and more.
• Bethany Robert's Christmas Fun for Kids: Chat with Santa, create silly holiday word puzzles, and view many more Christmas games and activities on this site.

Other Places to Find Online Games

Although a Google search may yield a plethora of results for online games, don't forget to use your own ingenuity to find great Internet games. Check the websites of favorite shows, cartoons, or movies -- the movie Elf has a games page where you can have a virtual snowball fight, go through "elf training" and more.

Don't forget the company website of brands of your favorite snacks, cereals and treats, either. The Wonka website, for example, offers Wonka Holiday Treats Game.

The holiday season is one of fun and enjoyment, and Christmas online games can add a high-tech dimension to traditional family favorites. By choosing appropriate games and using them wisely, online activities can be a fun diversion for all members of the family.