New Year’s Games: Traditional Play and Fun Activities That Excite Everyone from Kids to Adults
New Year’s is a special time when family and relatives gather.
But are you wondering, “What should we all do together?” In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of ideas to liven up the New Year, from nostalgic traditional games to easy, DIY activities you can make and play with everyday materials.
There’s a wide variety—games everyone can enjoy across generations and active ones that use a large space! There are also many activities you can enjoy while spending time with grandparents.
How about creating special New Year memories together as a family?
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New Year’s Pastimes: Traditional Activities and Games That Excite Everyone from Kids to Adults (31–40)
paper balloon
Paper balloons are a traditional toy that’s light, soft, and safe to enjoy.
With just a gentle puff of air, they inflate into a round shape, and a soft tap from your palm sends them floating into the air, making them easy for small children to handle.
Because they fall slowly, kids naturally develop balance and coordination by softly batting them upward to keep them from dropping or by passing them back and forth with friends.
They also encourage gentle, shared playtime.
Choosing colors and patterns is part of the fun, and they can be used as decorations, too.
Even if one breaks, it doesn’t make a loud noise and is easy to replace, so they’re perfect for safe indoor play.
Playing postman
Pretend play is important for nurturing children’s imaginations.
How about making unique “postman play” props by hand using materials you have at home? First, make a mailbag with a basket, cardboard, and zip ties.
Trace the shape of the basket onto the cardboard, cut it out, make holes, and secure it with zip ties—that’s it.
If the lid is hard to open, just add a handle with masking tape.
Next, fold a placemat, sew it together, and attach a strap to create a more authentic postman bag.
Add a postal symbol made from felt stickers to boost the special feel.
Because it’s easy to make with familiar materials, it’s a lovely idea that lets parents and children enjoy crafting together and expands the scope of their play.
New Year’s Quiz
New Year’s is an essential event in Japan, where we celebrate the arrival of the new year with various dishes and decorations.
However, after experiencing New Year’s many times, some people might find themselves preparing food and decorations merely out of habit.
To rekindle our feelings for the holiday, let’s try a quiz that explores the meanings behind New Year’s traditions.
By recalling things like how long the New Year’s period lasts and what meanings are embedded in the words we often see during this time, we can deepen our appreciation for the season.
It’s also a great chance not only to refresh your knowledge about New Year’s, but to learn something new as well.
Jenga
Jenga is a classic game that’s perfect for New Year’s festivities.
You pull out blocks and stack them, and when you actually try it, it’s surprisingly tricky—but that’s what makes it fun! Its appeal is that anyone, from adults to kids, can enjoy it.
When family and relatives gather for the New Year, this is a great game everyone can get excited about together.
You can share the thrill of pulling out a block and the excitement when the tower collapses.
The rules are easy to understand, so you can start right away.
How about spending some of your New Year’s time having fun with Jenga?
Presence Slash
@jo1_gotothetop [Hi! JO1] EP.55 🎍 New Year’s Games 🎍 (Kihei-giri Edition)#JO1#Hi_JO1Haijeeo
♪ Original song – JO1 – JO1
Kihei-giri is a game where you wear a blindfold, hold a sword, and strike down based only on sensing your opponent’s presence! Wearing traditional Japanese clothing like a hakama will make it feel even more like a New Year’s activity.
It’s a game that’s sure to get everyone excited with its unpredictable movements, but be sure to play in a spacious area to avoid injuries.
In kihei-giri, the calls and guidance from people around you are very important! You can guide the player toward where the opponent is, or deliberately shout loudly to break their concentration—that could be fun, too.
Use soft, cushioned swords that won’t hurt even if you get hit, and enjoy!
New Year’s Games: Traditional Pastimes & Fun Games for All Ages (41–50)
cat’s cradle
Ayatori is a game where you tie the ends of a string together to make a loop, then hook and release the string with your fingers to create shapes like the “ladder,” “Tokyo Tower,” and “shooting star.” It’s fun to play alone, but playing ayatori with two people is even more enjoyable because you can cooperate and give each other tips.
There are also various variations, such as a competitive style where one person first makes a simple shape with both hands, and the other person takes several strands from within it and transfers them from the partner’s hands to their own without letting the shape collapse.
Try out different styles and see what you like.
Inside-out pots!
Facing each other and holding both hands, you play “Nabe Nabe Soko Nuke.” It’s a traditional game enjoyed while singing the children’s song ‘Nabe Nabe Soko Nuke.’ For today’s children, who often spend time with games and social media, old-fashioned play may feel distant.
New Year’s, when multiple generations gather, is a perfect chance to pass on the culture of those good old days! Since it’s a hand game you can play indoors, why not enjoy it with the kids during moments of family togetherness?