The Left-Right Christmas Game is one of the easiest, funniest, and most popular holiday party games you could play. You don’t need to set up anything for this game, and it works for all ages. It is the perfect game for family gatherings, Christmas parties, classrooms, church events, and office gift exchanges. There is a guarantee of laughter with this game.
If you are looking for a simple game that involves everyone around and doesn’t have complicated rules, try Christmas Left Right Game. In this guide, we will cover everything: how the game works, rules, a ready-to-play story, tips, and more.
What is the Left-Right Christmas Game?
The Left-Right Christmas Game is a story-based party game where players pass gifts left or right each time when the words are spoken in a story.
This game is commonly known as:
- Christmas Left Right Game
- Left-Right Christmas Story Game
- Christmas Story Game Left Right
- Right Left Christmas Game
The game ends when the story ends. Whatever gift you are holding will be yours. Trading or choosing is not allowed in this game.
How the Left-Right Christmas Game Works
The Left-Right Christmas Story Game is very simple by design. Each participant brings a gift when playing the game.
- Everyone sits in a circle holding one gift.
- After that, one person reads a Christmas story out loud.
- Every time the word “left” is read from the story, the players pass their gifts to the left.
- Every time the word right is read from the story, the players pass their gifts to the right.
- When the story ends, the gift you are holding in your hands is the gift you will keep for this Christmas.
The unpredictability of where your gift might end up is the fun and chaotic part of this game. That is why it is one of the most entertaining games in the history of simple and fun games.
Requirements for Playing Left Right Christmas Game
To play the Christmas Left-Right Game, you don’t need much. Here is the complete list of simple things you need to play this.
Required
- One gift per player (wrapped or unwrapped)
- A group of players (6-30 works best)
- A Christmas Left Right Game Story (printed or digital format)
Optional
- Holiday Music
- Timer (If playing multiple rounds)
- Microphone for large groups
The optional bit here makes the game more interesting, as it can add a bit of character to the game while playing.
Left-Right Christmas Game Rules
The rules of the Christmas Story Left-Right Game are easy to follow. Let’s take a look.
- Rule 1: Seating – Players must sit in a circle so that gifts can be passed easily.
- Rule 2: One Gift Per Person – All players must have one gift in their hands.
- Rule 3: Listen Carefully – Listen carefully to the story as the storyteller reads the story slowly and clearly.
- Rule 4: Pass Immediately – The players must pass the gift immediately when they hear words like “left” or “right.”
- Rule 5: No Skipping – Even if you are distracted or laughing, you must pass the gift immediately when you hear the words.
- Rule 6: End of Story – After the story ends, the gift in your hands is yours.
An Example of Left-Right Christmas Game Story
The defining feature of a Left-Right story is its high density of directional cues used to trigger gift passing. Here is an example of a Christmas Left-Right Game Story. Have a look.
RIGHT before Christmas, Mickey was determined to find the RIGHT presents for his friends. He headed LEFT on Main Street to his favorite shop in town. He walked RIGHT in and greeted the shopkeeper, Mr. LEFT-hausen. Hi-ya, Mr. LEFT-hausen, do you have any pink Candy Canes LEFT? No, they didn’t get my order RIGHT this year. The only thing LEFT are these blue ones. Would that work all RIGHT for you?
Mickey knew that would be just RIGHT for Donald Duck. Donald loves blue, and Donald loves candy! RIGHT after Donald, on his list, Mickey was on the hunt for the RIGHT gift for Goofy! Mickey looked LEFT and saw a LEFT-handed fishing pole. Mickey knew that was RIGHT up Goofy’s alley.
He checked RIGHT out and headed LEFT down the street to the Pet Shop. Next was his RIGHT old pal Pluto! What would be the RIGHT thing for him? Maybe some candy? No, that’s not all RIGHT for dogs. Then he spotted the huge display to his LEFT. The perfect dog bone. Just one LEFT. He snatched it RIGHT up and headed RIGHT to the cashier.
This is not only a Left-Right Game Story you will find on the internet. If you want a different one, try searching for it on the internet.
Tips for Hosting a Left-Right Christmas Game
We’ve seen that there is no setup required practically, but here are some tips to host the Left-Right Christmas Game.
- To keep the gifts fair, you can set a gift price limit.
- Choose a story reader who can read it slowly and loudly.
- Encourage laughter because confusion is part of the fun of hosting a Christmas game.
- You can use natural gifts like gift cards, candles, mugs, snacks, or novelty items.
- You should also adjust the game for kids, slow the pace, and explain directions clearly.
Why is the Left-Right Christmas Game So Popular?
The Christmas Story Left-Right Game is very popular, but why? There are many reasons, let’s look at them.
- The game is inclusive, and people of any age can play.
- It is easy enough to understand.
- The game is fast-paced
- It is funny without effort.
- The game is perfect for large groups.
It also removes the pressure of choosing gifts and replaces it with fun and laughter.
Conclusion
The Left-Right Christmas Game proves that the holiday doesn’t need complicated rules or expensive gifts; you can enjoy the night by simply playing a fun game. With a simple story and a room full of people, you can create laughter, surprise, and memorable moments.
Whether you are hosting a family Christmas night or an office party, this game brings everyone together. It is simple to understand and impossible to forget. The perfect game for Christmas.
