The holidays can be magical… and also busy, overstimulating, and full of expectations. Between school events, family gatherings, and the pressure to “make memories,” it’s easy to forget that what kids actually remember most isn’t perfection, it’s connection. Even small pockets of shared fun can strengthen family bonds in ways that last long after the decorations are packed away.

Psychologists have long noted that laughter plays a critical role in emotional regulation and attachment. Shared laughter releases endorphins, lowers stress hormones, and increases feelings of closeness. In fact, research shows that when families laugh together, they tend to communicate more openly, navigate conflict better, and recover more quickly from stressful moments. Laughter is basically nature’s built-in bonding glue.

And strong relationships matter. Attachment research consistently shows that children feel safest and most confident when the adults in their lives provide warmth, responsiveness, shared joy, and predictable connection. These relational moments don’t need to be long or elaborate, they can be tiny, silly, and spontaneous. Activities that spark laughter help kids experience their caregivers as emotionally available, which strengthens trust and resilience.

That’s why “Minute to Win It”–style games are perfect for the holidays: they’re quick, silly, and accessible to kids of all ages. They also naturally create the kind of positive emotional climate that helps families feel connected, supported, and grounded.

Here are five easy, low-stress games your family can play to reset, laugh, and reconnect this holiday season.

1. Marshmallow Toss

What you need: Mini marshmallows + paper cups

How it works: One person holds the cup; another tries to toss in as many marshmallows as possible in 60 seconds. Switch roles after each round.

Why it’s great: Builds teamwork, eye contact, and shared laughter, perfect ingredients for bonding.

2. Ornament Stack Challenge

What you need: Plastic ornaments (no hooks)

How it works: Stack as many ornaments into a tower as you can before the timer runs out.

Why it’s great: Opportunities for collaboration and problem-solving with a competitive (but friendly) twist.

3. Candy Cane Hook Relay

What you need: Candy canes

How it works: Hold a candy cane in your mouth (hook out) and try to pick up as many candy canes from the table as possible — hands off!

Why it’s great: Equal parts ridiculous and delightful, perfect for breaking tension and encouraging shared silliness.

4. Snowball Shake

What you need: Empty tissue box + ping pong balls + belt or scarf

How it works: Strap the tissue box around your waist like a fanny pack, fill it with ping pong balls, and dance until all the “snowballs” fall out.

Why it’s great: Pure joyful chaos. Kids love seeing adults be playful and unfiltered.

5. Holiday Cookie Face Race

What you need: Cookies

How it works: Place a cookie on your forehead and try to wiggle it into your mouth — no hands allowed.

Why it’s great: Encourages patience, humor, and makes for great family videos.

Why These Games Matter: The Research Behind the Fun

It’s easy for adults to think of holiday fun as “extra,” but neurologically, these moments of shared joy are incredibly important. Research on attachment (such as work by Dr. Mary Ainsworth) highlights that shared positive affect, like smiling, laughing, and playful interaction, is one of the strongest predictors of secure attachment. When kids feel emotionally connected to us, their brains can better regulate stress, learn new information, and develop social confidence.

Similarly, relational neuroscience tells us that humans are wired for connection. When families engage in playful activities together, the brain releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) which helps strengthen trust and emotional safety. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson’s work on positive emotions shows that shared joy builds resilience, expands problem-solving ability, and increases overall well-being.

And laughter? It’s powerful. Studies show that shared laughter increases empathy, improves communication, and helps both children and adults recover faster from stress. Humor literally shifts the nervous system into a calmer, more regulated state.

So while these games may seem simple or silly, they create the exact conditions kids need most: warmth, safety, shared attention, and genuine connection.