How to play the left right Christmas game
- Everyone brings a wrapped gift. Agree on a price, often $10 to $25, or use small treats for kids.
- Sit in a circle. Each player holds a gift; it does not matter whose it is.
- One person reads the story aloud. Use Read full screen on a phone or tablet, or print the story.
- Pass on every LEFT and RIGHT. Each time the reader says LEFT, everyone passes the gift they hold one person to the left. On RIGHT, pass to the right.
- Keep the last gift. When the story ends, the gift in your hands is yours to open.
| Story | Best for | Reading time |
|---|---|---|
| The Night Before the Gift Exchange | Family and friends | About 3 minutes |
| The Office Party That Went Right | Work and office parties | About 3 minutes |
| Santa and the Lost Mitten | Kids and classrooms | About 3 minutes |
The count of LEFTs and RIGHTs for the story you pick is shown above it. All three stories were written for this page, so you can read and print them freely for your own party.
Tips for reading the story
- Slow down a little on LEFT and RIGHT so everyone hears them, then speed up in between. The fast parts are where the laughs come from.
- Words like “left” in “there was nothing left” and “right” in “right away” count too. That is the fun of it.
- Turn off the highlighting if the reader wants to be surprised, or keep it on so they never miss a pass.
- Add the host’s name before you start. People listen harder when the story is about someone in the room.
Left right game variations
- Candy version for kids: pass a candy cane or a small bag of treats instead of gifts.
- Across the circle: some groups add ACROSS and pass to the person opposite. Shout ACROSS whenever you like as the reader.
- Combine with white elephant: play the left right game first, then let people trade using the white elephant steal tracker.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play the left right Christmas game?
Everyone sits in a circle holding a wrapped gift. One person reads a story, and every time it says LEFT or RIGHT, everyone passes the gift they hold one person in that direction. When the story ends, you keep the gift you are holding.
How many people do you need?
It works with 4 people and with 40. With a big group, use a longer story or read it twice so the gifts move further.
Are these left right stories free to print?
Yes. All three stories were written for Chaoschemy; you can read, print and copy them for your own party, class or office.
Do words like left over or right away count?
Yes. Every LEFT and RIGHT counts, including “nothing left” and “right away”. That is what makes the game funny.
Can kids play the left right game?
Yes. Santa and the Lost Mitten is written for kids and classrooms, and you can pass small treats instead of gifts.
Can I put our host’s name in the story?
Yes. Type the host’s name in the box and it appears in the story wherever the host is mentioned, on screen and in the printout.