Herod the Great really does epitomize the darker side of the Christmas story, and his choices were down-right morally offensive. These games therefore look more at the elements of choice, clues, and searches. The first two games here use a card set that can be found by clicking on the picture. There are different games listed for “The Magi” and for “Refugee Jesus” if none of these options work for you.
Match it!
All Ages
Small group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Can be seated
This is similar to the popular ‘Dobble’ or ‘Spot it’ where cards are dealt to two players and, upon turning the top card over, one symbol on each card will match. The first player to identify this match wins both cards until one player runs out of cards. There is a post for this game, click on the picture to go directly there.
Link to Herod looking for clues and signs to help the Magi find Jesus.
Not Herod
Ages 7+
Small group
Requires setup time
Quiet game
Can be seated
Use the “sets” version of the card game above for this. You will need 3 cards per player (one set per 7 kids). Sit in a circle and swap cards with your neighbours until you have 3 cards with the same symbol on them. Every 2 cards has one matching pair but finding 3 of the same is not as easy. Make sure your match isn’t Herod! You could repeat with 4 or even 5 matching items to make this game harder.
Link to Herod only having partial information about the Christ Child.
Save the crown
All Ages
Any size group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Set up a simple obstacle race. Place a paper crown on a small cushion and have the children transport it through the maze and back to the start.
Link: Talk about how fragile Herod’s power was.
Finding the Christ
Under 7’s
Any size group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
A ‘hide the thimble’ alternative. Print a small picture of a baby and hide it in the room. Variants – play as rounds where the baby is re-hidden, or you can print multiple copies and have each child find one.
Link to Herod’s search.
Supporting limbs
Ages 7+
Big group
No Setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Have the youngsters get into small groups of 3–4 people. The idea of the game is for the group to support each other so that not everyone has to stand on the floor. Nobody is allowed to sit on the floor. Roll 2 dice, one for the number of feet that can be touching the floor, the second for the number of hands that can be touching the floor. (Hints : just pick numbers if you don’t have dice and try balancing on your knees)
Link: Talk about how sometimes we need the support of those around us, and that Herod’s power depended on him being the only one at the top.
