The Left Right Christmas Game :: A Delightful Way to Exchange Gifts and Ornaments
If you are looking for a fun way to exchange gifts as a group, you may be interested in the super simple yet popular “The Left Right Christmas Game.” This game makes exchanging gifts a little more exciting with actual group participation. First you will need all the participants to form a circle and hold their gift. Next you will need a designated narrator to read the Christmas Story aloud. This story has the words “left” and “right” Sprinkled throughout the story. The gifts will be passed every time the words “left” or “right are read aloud to the designated person on their left or right. At the conclusion of the story, participants will be left holding their designated final gift and they can unwrap as they “ooh and ah” over their winnings.
This game is the perfect game for parties such as in the classroom, church youth or sports groups. Even adults will enjoy this as fun and easy way to spread holiday cheer. It is one way to ensure that everyone has a memorable experience, and you are guaranteed a few laughs along the way.
There are many versions of this game online and many free printables of the story. One example of a story that you can use is:
The Christmas Gift Exchange Story
It was the night of Christmas Eve, and everyone gathered in the living room. Grandpa sat on the LEFT side of the couch, while Grandma curled up on the RIGHT with a mug of hot cocoa. The kids rushed LEFT and RIGHT, excited to see what Santa might bring.
Mom placed a pile of gifts on the table to the RIGHT, and Dad grabbed the box sitting to his LEFT. Before opening anything, Aunt Sarah reminded everyone to pass their gift to the LEFT when the story said LEFT, and to the RIGHT when it said RIGHT.
Soon, Christmas music played softly from the LEFT speaker, while the tree lights blinked on the RIGHT side of the room. Little Timmy moved RIGHT next to his sister so he could peek at her gift, but Mom told him to scoot back LEFT and sit still.
As snow fell outside the window on the LEFT, Grandma told a story about Christmases long ago when gifts were passed to the RIGHT and laughter filled the room. Grandpa nodded, holding his present tight in his RIGHT hand and smiling at everyone on his LEFT.
Suddenly, the dog ran LEFT across the room, knocking over a stocking that had been hanging to the RIGHT of the fireplace. Everyone laughed and passed their gifts LEFT, then RIGHT, then LEFT again.
At last, Dad said it was time to open the gifts. Whatever gift you had in your hands — whether it came from the LEFT or the RIGHT — was yours to keep. Smiles spread LEFT and RIGHT as everyone discovered their surprises and agreed it was the best Christmas ever.
Christmas should be full of fun and joy, but things that make entertaining easier are always welcome. I hope you can use this simple game at your next gathering, and I hope you have a Merry Christmas whether you are on the Left or on the Right.
