Last updated: September 18, 2026
The left right christmas game is one of the easiest party games you can pull together for a holiday gathering. You read a short story out loud, and every time you say left or right, guests pass wrapped gifts around the circle. By the time the story ends, everyone opens whatever landed in their lap.
What You Need to Play
You only need a few things to run this game, and most of them you probably already have tucked away in a closet somewhere.
Each guest brings one wrapped gift, usually within a set price range you decide ahead of time. A printed copy of the story is the other essential piece, since one person needs to read it aloud clearly enough for the whole group to follow along.
Some hosts also grab small prizes as backups, in case someone ends up without a gift when the music stops. That way nobody leaves the circle empty handed, even if the passing gets a little chaotic near the end.
You do not need fancy props or a big budget for this one. A cozy living room, a circle of chairs, and a stack of gifts is really all it takes to get the whole group laughing.
Setting Up the Circle
Have everyone sit in a circle, whether that means dining chairs pulled into a ring or everyone piled onto couches and floor cushions. Each person holds their own wrapped gift in their lap to start.
Before you begin reading, explain the two simple rules so nobody gets confused halfway through. When the reader says right, everyone passes their gift to the person on their right. When the reader says left, everyone passes it to the person on their left.
It helps to do one quick practice pass before the story starts. Say left once and right once so everyone gets the hang of the motion before gifts start flying for real.
Once everyone understands the flow, you are ready to start the actual story. The reader should go slowly enough that people can keep up with the passing without gifts getting dropped or tangled.
Reading the Story Out Loud
The story is the heart of the left right christmas game, since it is what triggers every single pass. Most versions are a few paragraphs long and packed with the words left and right scattered throughout.
You can find printable versions online, or write your own using a favorite holiday tale as the base. A classic approach borrows from The Night Before Christmas or a simple story about Santa’s workshop, then swaps in extra mentions of left and right wherever it makes sense.
Read at a steady pace and pause slightly after each direction word so the passing does not turn into a scramble. Some families like to add a silly voice or dramatic flair to keep everyone engaged while they pass their gifts around.
By the end of the story, gifts have usually traveled quite a distance from where they started. That randomness is exactly what makes the ending fun, since nobody knows what they are about to unwrap.
Fun Variations to Try
Once your group has played the classic version, you can mix things up with a few popular twists. Some hosts add a third word like Santa or elf that means everyone stands up and switches seats entirely.
A white elephant twist works well too, where the final gift someone holds can be swapped once by the person sitting next to them. This adds one more round of laughs right at the very end.
Other groups theme the story around their family’s inside jokes or the past year’s events, which makes the game feel more personal. You can rewrite a generic template so it mentions specific relatives, pets, or memorable moments from the year.
Keeping the price range low and consistent tends to make these variations run smoother, since nobody feels shortchanged by what they end up with. A ten to twenty dollar range works well for most casual gatherings.
Why This Game Works So Well for Groups
This game earns its spot at so many holiday parties because it scales easily and needs almost no setup time. Whether you have eight people or thirty, the mechanics stay exactly the same.
It also levels the playing field in a fun way, since nobody knows whose gift they will end up with. That built in mystery keeps everyone curious and engaged until the very last line of the story is read.
Unlike some party games, there is no skill involved and no one gets eliminated early. Everyone stays part of the action from the first left to the final right, which makes it a great fit for mixed age groups.
Families with young kids and grandparents in the same room tend to love it for exactly that reason. Everyone can participate at their own pace, and the passing itself is simple enough for even the youngest guests to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you need to play the left right christmas game?
You can play with as few as six or eight people, though the game feels even more festive with a bigger group. There is no strict maximum, so large family gatherings or office parties work just as well as small get-togethers.
What should the gift budget be?
Most groups set a budget between ten and twenty five dollars per gift. Setting the same limit for everyone keeps the swapping fair and takes the pressure off finding something extravagant.
Can you play without a printed story?
Yes, you can read the story from a phone or tablet, though a printed copy tends to be easier for the reader to follow without losing their place. You can also find several versions to print for free before your party.
What happens if someone ends up without a gift?
Keep a couple of backup prizes on hand just in case the passing does not land perfectly evenly. This way nobody feels left out when the story wraps up.
Is this the same as a white elephant exchange?
They share some similarities, but a white elephant exchange usually involves stealing gifts in turn order, while this game relies entirely on random passing during a story. Many hosts actually combine elements of both for extra fun.
Can kids play this game too?
Absolutely, and it is often one of the easiest games for mixed age groups since the passing motion is simple enough for young children to follow along with a little help.
Wrap Up Your Holiday Party With This Classic Game
The left right christmas game is a simple way to add some laughter and surprise to your next holiday gathering. Grab a printable story, set a gift budget, and get your circle ready for a few minutes of joyful chaos.
Print a story tonight and give the left right christmas game a try at your very next party.
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