Holidays: Christmas Conversation Board Game

First, draw a game board on a piece of paper. I usually make mine in
the form of a big rectangle. Label one space as "Start" and write a
question in each space. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3. On
each student's turn, he or she rolls a die and sees which space he or
she lands on. He or she has to talk about whatever question is in that
space. Several question suggestions follow:

In your opinion, what's the best thing about the winter holiday
season?
Have you ever done any Internet shopping? How was your experience?
Do you think Internet shopping will replace store shopping?
What's your favorite holiday season food?
What's the most interesting holiday decoration you've seen this
season? Where is it?
In your opinion, what's the worst thing about the winter holiday
season?
Christmas is an important season for giving. Have you ever donated
to a charity at Christmastime? When?
Since classes are not in session for the winter holidays, what will
you do, on a day-to-day basis, to pass the time?
There's a song called "We need a little Christmas." Do you think
that people "need" Christmas? Why or why not?
What was the last "perfect" gift that you gave someone?
What was the last "perfect" gift you received?
If you could spend New Years Eve anywhere and with anyone, what
would you do?
When you shop, how important is good customer service? What's the
worst example of customer service you've ever encountered?
Are you someone who is hesitant to return a gift that you don't
like, or do you do so with ease?
Describe a holiday that is fairly unique to your culture.
What three events from the past year are most memorable for you?
Describe a holiday-related memory.
Have you ever had a bad travel experience during the winter
holidays? Describe it.
When was the first time you spent an important holiday away from
home? What were the circumstances?
What's your favorite holiday song? What's your favorite holiday movie?

The possibilities are numerous. For more ideas, see the book
"The Christmas Conversation Piece" by Bret Nicholaus and Paul
Lowrie, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

--Karin M. Abell
ESL Instructor
Durham Technical Community College
Durham, North Carolina