“You Sit on a Throne of Lies” and Other Reasons to Play the Elf Drinking Game
Let’s talk about Elf. No, not the fantasy kind that wields a bow and hangs out with hobbits—the Will Ferrell masterpiece that has been a staple of Christmas movie marathons since 2003. It’s sweet, it’s ridiculous, and it’s full of sugar-rush energy that makes you feel like you just chugged a gallon of syrup.
But let’s be honest. Watching Buddy the Elf scream about Santa for the hundredth time could use a little something extra. Enter: the Elf drinking game—a tradition as sacred as decorating the tree or pretending not to hate fruitcake.
If you’ve never played a drinking game before, don’t worry. It’s not rocket science. You take a drink every time something specific happens in the movie, and by the end, you’re either laughing uncontrollably or swearing off eggnog for the rest of your life. And with Elf, the opportunities for hilarity (and hydration) are endless.
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
The beauty of this drinking game is its flexibility. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa with a peppermint schnapps twist, enjoying a classic beer, or feeling fancy with a Christmas-themed cocktail, the rules apply universally. Pro tip: Have snacks on hand. Buddy’s maple syrup spaghetti might not be your thing, but popcorn and Christmas cookies are non-negotiable.
Step Two: Lay Down the Rules
Every great drinking game needs solid rules. These ones are guaranteed to make your Elf viewing party the stuff of holiday legend:
- Take a sip every time Buddy says “Santa.”
This happens so often, you’ll be toasting Santa more than the elves in the North Pole do. - Drink whenever Buddy eats something sugary.
From Pop-Tarts to syrup-laden spaghetti, Buddy’s diet is a dentist’s nightmare and your drinking game’s dream. - Take a big gulp whenever someone looks at Buddy like he’s insane.
This happens a lot. It’s part of his charm. - Sip every time you hear “Christmas spirit.”
By the time they’re singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” you’ll be feeling festive—and possibly horizontal. - Chug during the snowball fight scene.
Why? Because it’s the most epic display of elf agility ever captured on film, and it deserves your full commitment. - Finish your drink if Buddy screams, “You sit on a throne of lies!”
It’s iconic. It’s dramatic. It’s your cue to cheers to Will Ferrell’s comedic genius.
Step Three: Let the Chaos Begin
The best thing about playing the Elf drinking game is that it turns an already funny movie into an absolute riot. The absurdity of Buddy’s antics feels even more absurd when you’re three sips in and counting the marshmallows in his breakfast.
The singing? Hilarious. The narwhal saying, “Bye, Buddy, hope you find your dad”? Pure gold. And let’s not even talk about the “baby, it’s cold outside” duet with Zooey Deschanel—it’s almost too much to handle.
The Unintended Side Effects
Here’s the thing about playing a drinking game with a movie as cheerful as Elf: It’s impossible not to have fun. Sure, you might lose track of how many times Buddy says “Santa” (it’s a lot), but who cares? It’s Christmas. It’s chaos. It’s Elf.
Just be prepared for the morning after. Sugar hangovers are real, especially if your drink of choice was something like eggnog or a festive cocktail topped with candy canes. Hydrate, eat something salty, and maybe skip the spaghetti breakfast.
Why This Is More Than Just a Drinking Game
On the surface, this might seem like a silly way to pass the time. But let me argue that it’s actually a celebration of everything Elf stands for: joy, togetherness, and the unshakable belief that life is better when you embrace your inner child.
When you play the Elf drinking game, you’re not just watching a movie. You’re connecting with friends, laughing at Buddy’s ridiculousness, and reminding yourself that Christmas isn’t about perfect trees or Instagram-worthy moments. It’s about having fun and making memories—even if those memories involve shouting “Santa!” every five seconds and wondering why you thought maple syrup martinis were a good idea.
So this year, grab your friends, your drinks, and your favorite Christmas PJs. Put on Elf, play this game, and let yourself feel the kind of joy that only comes from watching a grown man in yellow tights declare his undying love for sugar and Santa Claus.
Because as Buddy would say: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is playing a drinking game with the people you hold dear. Or something like that. Cheers!
