The Best Christmas Alexa/Google Home Hacks

Alexa, what Christmas tricks can you do? Christmas is fast-approaching and we rely on our technology for organising, ordering and playing everything festive. So how can we play around with our helpful devices in a way that the kids can get involved with too? Prepare to be entertained with our list of the best Christmas Alexa/Google hacks…

5 Curious Christmas questions for Alexa…

1. “Alexa, what’s today’s Christmas treat?”

Some might say this feature is like a technological-advent-calendar. Everyday in December, you and your kids can ask Alexa this question and she will respond with a Christmas surprise each day until Christmas Eve!

2. “Alexa, how ugly is your Christmas jumper?”

Have Alexa tell you in great detail, how she hates her Christmas jumper as it is very very very very very very ugly!

3. “Alexa, sing a Christmas carol”

This one is less of a question and more of a Christmassy command. When making this command, Alexa will respond in a short burst of spectacular singing, sure to make the kids giggle. Or you can be more specific and tell her to sing one of your favourite Christmas songs like Jingle Bells for example – she loves that one! Maybe even try a traditional Scottish New Year’s anthem, Auld Lang Syne!

4. “Alexa, who’s on the nice list?”

The kids will love this feature as they nervously await Alexa’s answer, but don’t worry they will be on the nice list if you ask this question. But If you ask alexa: “Who’s on the naughty list?” Alexa will say you are on the naughty list…

5. “Alexa read ‘Twas the night before Christmas”

For a cosy Christmas storytime, cuddle up with the kids and ask Alexa to read you this story. Great for getting the kids off to sleep on Christmas Eve before the big day.

Games, glorious games!

After picking Alexa’s mechanical brain all day, you should try out some of the festive games available on Alexa and Google Home!

Google’s ‘Crystal Ball’ – FREE game!

In this game you ask Google Assistant questions, in which it responds with mystical, random responses to your yes or no questions… I know what you’re thinking, what a great way to burn your kids’ question-asking energy. Picture this: you are cooking the Christmas dinner with 0 interruptions, because the kids have been preoccupied for ages! The great thing about this game is that you don’t need a Google Nest or specific Google device in order to play, you can load it on your phone and play from there. Just Google: ‘Crystal Ball game Google’ and it will come up straight away!

Alexa’s ‘Akinator’ – FREE game!

This has to be one of my personal favourites, after playing this with my family last Christmas. Akinator is a game where Alexa will ask you to think of a famous person, whether that be an actor, musician, cartoon character, sports person or any other public figures or famous fictional characters. OR you can pick a film or TV series. She will proceed to ask you lots of questions to which you respond with “yes/no”. Eventually she will whittle down your answers and find the person/ film/ TV series you are thinking of in record time!

Google’s ‘Mad-libs’ – FREE game!

We all love a good giggle-tastic game of mad-libs and now, Google have made a mad-libs game feature on Google Nests and Google on Android phones too. When users play Mad Libs on Google, the screen displays ideas for words to include in the stories, and users can either suggest their own words or tap words on the screen to play. At the end of the game, the device reads the story aloud to the delight of the players. If you have funny and often unpredictable relatives, it is the perfect game to play for a good old-laugh. It’s definitely one to play at family Christmas parties!

Alexa’s ‘Jeopardy’ – FREE game!

Play Jeopardy on any Amazon Alexa-enabled devices! Jeopardy is the famous American TV game show where the contestants are given general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in the form of questions. Sounds challenging right? In this game of Jeopardy, you can play the “extra” clue of the six Round 1 categories from the day’s broadcast for free! Using only your voice, you can respond just like the contestants on the show! For a real head-scratcher and a chance to duel it out with the grandparents, give it a try this Christmas! This game is also Emmy®-nominated, but we’ll let you guys be the judge of that, let us know how you get on!

Alexa’s ‘The Magic Door’ – FREE game!

For some seriously imaginative storytelling, The Magic Door is an Alexa-powered interactive adventure game with original stories. Tell Alexa what choices to make as you explore a magical world with various lands, including a forest, sea, garden and castle! This would be great for the little ones as they can become immersed in a creative game where they can take the lead. You will discover hidden items, solve riddles, and help magical creatures! I will definitely be trying this game with my family at Christmas!

Extra fun features!

Santa central

So the kids are very excited and keep asking questions about Santa, “What’s he’s up to?”, “Where is he right now?”, “Is he really real?”. Well mum and dad, you’ll LOVE this feature on Google, you can track Santa and receive updates on his whereabouts! If you want to offer the big guy some assistance, say, “OK Google, call Santa.” If you want him to help with your wish list, say, “OK Google, talk to Santa’s helpline.”

Alexa’s Holiday Greeting Cards

Alexa can’t send physical holiday greeting cards however, the voice assistant can send digital holiday greeting cards to other Alexa devices! You’ll need to go to the Alexa Skill Blueprints Page and select Hallmark Holiday Greeting. Choose the best greeting that suits you and customise it with a personal message or a recording. When your digital christmas card is crafted to perfection, click Share With Others! FYI, the recipients of the card will have to turn on this feature on their Alexa device too. Once that is done, just say: “Alexa, open Holiday Greeting.” and they will be able to hear your Christmas message!

So have you found the perfect Christmas hack you want to try out with the family? Let us know your favourite hacks and tag us in any funny videos or pictures over Christmas on our Instagram @dayoutwiththekids #DOWTK! Looking for more Christmassy inspiration? Check out our other blogs for more fabulously festive ideas!