Christmas Crosses & Noughts

Equipment Needed

• two different types of Christmassy items such as crackers and candy canes
• masking tape or a large sheet of paper and a pen
• plastic cups

This is a fun twist on ‘noughts and crosses’. Below we have two versions-one for larger groups or those with more space, and one for those with smaller numbers and less space. 

What To Do – Large Numbers/Space 

Preparation: Before the session, gather several of two types of Christmas item, such as crackers and candy canes. These will be used as the ‘X’s and ‘O’s in the game. Using masking tape, draw out a typical ‘noughts and crosses’ grid in the middle of the floor.  

• Split your group into two teams and label them as ‘crackers’ and ‘candy canes’ and give each team a pile of items to use in the game. Also, give each team a plastic cup. 
• Place the teams an equal distance away from the grid.  
• Explain that you’ll be playing a version of noughts and crosses. It will be similar rules to normal; three in a row wins the game! 
• However, in this game it’s a little bit different. One person from at a time (but with both groups doing it simultaneously) needs to take the plastic cup and attempt to flip it and land it face down.  
• As soon as they are successful, they can take a cracker/candy cane and run to the grid and place it down. They then run back to their team, and the next team member will begin flipping the cup.  
• This means that both teams are trying to flip the cup and run to the grid at the same time!  
• The first team to get three in a row, wins! 
• If you want to add an extra twist you could also add the rule that teams can remove one of the other teams’ items from a square instead of placing an item if they want to. 

What To Do – Small Numbers/Space  

Preparation: Before the session, gather several of two types of Christmas item, such as crackers and candy canes. These will be used as the ‘X’s and ‘O’s in the game. On a large sheet of paper draw a noughts and crosses grid. 

• Play this game either with two young people head-to-head or in pairs. Assign one person/pair ‘crackers’ and the other ‘candy canes’ and give each a pile of items to use in the game. Also, give each person/pair a plastic cup. 
• Explain that you’ll be playing a version of noughts and crosses. It will be similar rules to normal; three in a row wins the game! 
• However, in this game it’s a little bit different. Before making a move, each person/pair must attempt to flip a cup face down. 
• As soon as they are successful, they can take a cracker/candy cane and place it down.  
• This means that both parties are trying to flip the cup and place items at the same time. 
• The first to get three in a row, wins! 
• If you want to add an extra twist you could also add the rule that they can remove one of their opponent’s items from a square instead of placing an item down.