Ah, family Christmas parties. It's that annual, mandatory gathering of relatives who keep bugging you with questions like, "Uy, parang tumaba ka?" or "Kailan ka ga-graduate?" We love them though. But seriously, it can get a bit awkward when they've got nothing else to focus on but your personal life. So why not try introducing them to family-friendly card games instead? Here are some options to turn your family's questions from "Kailan ka ga-graduate?" to "Uy, nag-draw ka na ba?":
Exploding Kittens
Number of Players: 2 to 5
Gameplay: Players draw cards from a deck. The one who draws an exploding kitten is out and loses the game—unless he has a “diffuse” card. The deck is composed of cards, some of which let you avoid the exploding kitten by allowing you to peek before you draw, shuffle the deck, skip a turn, among others. Use these wisely to win the game.
Why: Because cats! The cards also bear hilarious illustrations that make the game feel light as you plot to make others lose.
Sushi Go Party!
Number of Players: 2 to 8
Gameplay: Pick and pass cards that bear different kinds of sushi (each with its own value) to earn the most points in the game. Whoever has the most points wins.
Why: The game forces you to strategize, but since it’s fast-paced and the drawings are cute, no one’s too serious to overthink the next move. There are many ways to win the game.
Codenames
Number of Players: 2 to 8
Gameplay: Two teams, each with its own representative or “spymaster,” play against each other. Before them are words laid out on a grid, and they must guess which words their respective spymasters are referring to.
Why: It’s easy to play and lets you get creative in giving clues to various members of your family. Inside jokes prove helpful.