Christmas Left Right Game
Have you ever been in that situation where you’ve got a house full of family, a pile of gifts, and you’re trying to make sure everyone has a blast? Yep, I’ve been there too! The Christmas Left Right game has been a lifesaver for those holiday gatherings. It’s fun, easy to play, and adds a little extra magic to the gift exchange. So, grab a cup of cocoa, and let’s chat about how to play this game that’ll get everyone in the holiday spirit!
What Is the Christmas Left Right Game?
Picture this: your family and friends are gathered around the living room, everyone is holding a gift, and there’s a story to be told. The story is the star of the show here, it’s filled with the words “left” and “right.” As the story is read aloud, gifts are passed left and right around the circle. It’s a game of luck and a little bit of chaos, and that’s what makes it so much fun!
How to Set Up the Game
First things first, you’ll need a few things to get started:
- Gifts: Decide on the type of gifts you’ll use. It can be a White Elephant style, where everyone brings a wrapped gift, or you could provide small, fun items like candy, ornaments, or little trinkets. I like to keep it under $10 to keep things light and easy.
- Story: The magic of this game lies in the story. You can find tons of Left Right stories online, or if you’re feeling creative, write your own! The key is to sprinkle in plenty of “lefts” and “rights” to keep everyone on their toes.
- Seating: Arrange everyone in a circle. Make sure there’s enough space for everyone to pass gifts around without too much elbow nudging.
How to Play the Christmas Left Right Game
- Hand Out Gifts: Each person starts with a gift. If you’re playing White Elephant style, make sure the gifts are all wrapped to keep the mystery alive.
- Read the Story: Choose someone to read the story aloud. It can be you, a family member, or even one of the kids if they’re up for it. (Bonus points if they use their best dramatic reading voice!)
- Pass the Gifts: As the story is read, listen for the words “left” and “right.” Every time you hear “left,” pass the gift in your hand to the left. When you hear “right,” pass it to the right.
- End of the Story: When the story ends, whatever gift you have in your hands is yours to keep!
Now, here’s where it gets really fun. There’s usually a lot of laughing, a little bit of confusion, and maybe a “Wait, you passed that the wrong way!” or two. And that’s all part of the charm!
Christmas Left Right Game Story Example
‘Twas the night right before Christmas, and everything seemed just right. Santa was getting ready to make his deliveries, but oh no! He realized he had left his magical sack of toys right back at the North Pole. Mrs. Claus saw him pacing back and forth, right by the door. “Do you think you left it in the workshop?” she asked. “No,” Santa replied, “I’m sure I left it right here!”
Santa looked high and low, left and right. Then he checked right inside every cupboard to see if it was left there. “Maybe you left it outside,” suggested the right-handed elf, Jingles. “No, I’m certain I left it inside,” Santa said with a sigh.
Just then, Dasher and Dancer peeked into the room from the right side of the stables. “Santa, we think you left something over here,” they called out. Santa dashed right over, only to find that they had discovered his left boot. “Well, that’s not quite right,” Santa chuckled, “but thanks for looking.”
Santa decided to go right back to the beginning to retrace his steps. He started in the right corner of the workshop, and then to the left, where he remembered having a snack. “Ah yes,” he said, “I left my milk and cookies right here, but no sack.”
The clock was ticking, and it was almost time for Santa to leave. He was right out of ideas! Just as he was about to give up, Mrs. Claus shouted I found where you left it. You left it in the kitchen. “I found it! You had it right here all along, dear!”
Santa laughed and patted his belly. “Well, that’s what happens when you’re in such a hurry! You forget where you left things.” He grabbed his sack and put on his left boot and right glove. “Now I’m ready to go!” he declared, “and this time, everything will be alright with nothing left behind.”
With a wave and a jolly “Ho Ho Ho,” Santa left the North Pole and took off into the right winter night. He left gifts for every boy and girl, making sure to get everything just right. And when he returned home, tired but happy, he knew that everything had turned out just right after all.
And that’s the end of our story! Whatever gift you’re left holding now is yours to keep, looks like you ended up with something just right for you.
Variations to Spice Things Up
You can tweak this game to fit your crowd. Here are some variations that have been hits at my family gatherings:
- Multiple Stories: If you’ve got a big group or you just want to extend the fun, use a couple of different stories. After the first story ends, start a second one right away! It adds an extra layer of unpredictability.
- Themed Gifts: Have everyone bring a themed gift, like cozy socks, mugs, or holiday ornaments. It adds a bit of fun when all the gifts follow a certain theme.
- Mystery Swap: If you want to add a little more strategy to the game, allow one swap at the end. Everyone can choose to swap their gift with one other person, only once and no take-backs!
Tips for Making It Memorable
- Keep it Light: This game is all about having fun, so don’t stress if things go a little sideways. If someone accidentally passes the gift the wrong way, just roll with it!
- Use a Funny Story: If you’re writing your own story, throw in some family inside jokes or silly holiday references. The more laughter, the better!
- Involve the Kids: If you’ve got little ones in the family, let them take turns reading the story or passing out the gifts. They love being a part of the action, and it makes the game feel even more special.
- Prizes for All: If you’re worried about anyone going home empty-handed, have a small consolation prize ready. A candy cane or a little holiday treat can go a long way in making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your holiday gift exchange this year, give the Christmas Left Right game a try. It’s simple, it’s entertaining, and it’s the perfect way to bring a group of people together, even if they don’t all know each other that well. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure no one gets too attached to their gift too early, because who knows where it’ll end up by the end of the story!
I hope this game brings as much laughter and joy to your holiday gathering as it has to mine. And if you end up with that pair of reindeer socks you’ve been eyeing, well, that’s just the Christmas spirit working in your favor!
