Title: Christmas Scattergories: The Game You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Now Can’t Live Without)
The holiday season is here, and with it comes a whirlwind of family gatherings, festive food, and the endless search for new ways to entertain everyone. While some might turn to classic board games or movie marathons, there’s one game that’s slowly but surely taking over Christmas festivities: Christmas Scattergories. If you’ve never played it, you’re about to find out why this simple game has earned a permanent spot at holiday tables everywhere. If you’ve played before, then you already know—this game is a holiday masterpiece.
So grab your pens, print out those Christmas Scattergories cards (or just jot down some categories yourself), and prepare to have your brain twisted in ways you didn’t think were possible. You might just walk away from this year’s Christmas dinner with a few new hilarious inside jokes and some sore abs from laughing so hard.
What is Christmas Scattergories?
You know the drill. You’ve probably played the regular Scattergories game at least once. You roll the dice, get a letter, and try to come up with answers to various categories that start with that letter. It’s a race against the clock, and if you and your cousin both write down “cat” for “Animals,” it’s game over. No duplicate answers allowed. This simple premise makes for hours of competitive, witty fun. But when you add a sprinkle of Christmas magic, it becomes something more—something unforgettable.
Christmas Scattergories takes the classic game you know and love and gives it a festive twist. Instead of the usual categories (like “Types of Food” or “Cities”), you’re diving headfirst into the holiday season. Think “Christmas Carols,” “Types of Christmas Decorations,” and “Things You See at a Christmas Party.” You’ll still get the usual brain scramble and laughter, but now it’s all wrapped up in tinsel and Christmas cheer.
Why You NEED to Play Christmas Scattergories
Okay, let’s be real. The holidays are stressful. Between buying gifts, planning meals, and pretending to like your third cousin’s new “experimental” gingerbread cookies, the pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. But that’s where Christmas Scattergories swoops in like the holiday superhero it is. Here’s why it should be your go-to holiday game:
- It’s Ridiculously Fun
This is not a game for the faint of heart. It’s a race against the clock, a test of wit, and a showcase of how many random Christmas-related facts you can cram into your brain in a 60-second window. The result? Hilarity. If you’ve ever heard someone yell “Santa’s Sleigh!” when the letter ‘S’ is rolled for “Things that fly,” then you know exactly what I mean. - It’s Incredibly Simple to Learn
If you’ve ever tried to explain the rules of Monopoly to your relatives, you know the frustration of losing your audience midway through. Not so with Christmas Scattergories. The rules are simple: roll the die, choose a category, and start writing answers that fit the category and begin with the letter you rolled. That’s it. You don’t need a rulebook or a 10-minute explanation. Just start playing and let the chaos unfold. - It Brings People Together
Some games can create tension. Others just result in everyone staring at their phones in boredom. But Christmas Scattergories? It’s an equalizer. Grandma might be the reigning champion of “Christmas Pictionary,” but she’ll be stumped when asked to name “Holiday Desserts” starting with the letter “K.” Everyone, from the kids to the grandparents, has a shot at winning. The best part? Watching people think outside the box and come up with answers so ridiculous, you’ll be laughing long after the game ends. - It’s Perfect for Large or Small Groups
Whether you’re hosting a full-blown family reunion or just having a cozy holiday dinner for two, Christmas Scattergories can be adapted to fit any group size. If it’s a small group, just grab a sheet of paper and play one-on-one. If you’re hosting a massive party, break out into teams and have at it. It’s flexible, fun, and works for all ages. - It’s FREE
That’s right—unlike most holiday entertainment options, Christmas Scattergories is a budget-friendly game. You can easily find free printable cards online (just search “Christmas Scattergories printable”), or you can make your own if you’re feeling creative. Either way, you’ll be able to save your money for something far more important this season: snacks.
How to Play Christmas Scattergories
I know, I know. You’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, I get it. It’s fun. But how do I actually play?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can get started:
- Set Up Your Categories
The beauty of Christmas Scattergories is that the categories can be as simple or as complex as you want. Some classic categories include:
- Christmas Songs
- Holiday Decorations
- Christmas Movies
- Things Found at a Christmas Party
- Gifts People Give
- Christmas Foods
You can either print out pre-made cards or create your own. Pro tip: the more ridiculous the categories, the better. Things like “Christmas Gifts Starting with X” or “Santa’s Reindeer Names That Aren’t Rudolph” will make the game far more entertaining.
- Get the Timer Ready
The official rule is 60 seconds per round, but you can adjust the time to fit your group. For younger kids, you might want to give them a little extra time (because “W” is a tough letter when you’re thinking of Christmas-related words). - Roll the Dice and Go!
Roll the letter die and see what letter you get. The letter dictates which answers you need to come up with. For example, if you roll the letter “C,” and the category is “Christmas Movies,” your answers might be “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” or “Christmas Vacation.” (Don’t stress too much if the answers seem a little offbeat—sometimes, that’s what makes the game so funny.) - Score Points
Once the timer goes off, each player shares their answers. If someone has the same answer as someone else, neither player gets a point for that answer. But if your answer is unique, you get a point. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins. And honestly, even if you lose, you’ll have so much fun you won’t care.
Tips for Winning (Or Just Having the Most Fun)
- Get Creative: Remember, the more unusual your answers, the better. If you come up with something like “Christmas Tree” for the letter “Q,” you’ll be the one everyone is talking about for weeks.
- Team Up: If you’re playing in a large group, consider breaking up into teams. Sometimes the best ideas come when you have a brainstorming squad behind you.
- Stay Cool: It’s Christmas, not the World Cup. The game is about having fun and making memories, so don’t stress if you don’t win.
Wrapping Up
Christmas Scattergories is the game that brings together laughter, creativity, and holiday cheer. It’s low-key, low-cost, and incredibly fun for people of all ages. So, the next time you’re hosting a holiday get-together and looking for a game that’s guaranteed to get everyone involved, pull out Christmas Scattergories. Whether you win or lose, you’ll leave the table with a smile on your face—and probably a new Christmas tradition.
Now go ahead—get that printable, round up the family, and let the holiday chaos begin! Happy playing!
