If you’re anything like me, you know the holidays are a mix of chaos and magic. Between baking cookies, untangling Christmas lights (why do they always tangle themselves?!), and finding the perfect hiding spots for presents, I love nothing more than a good family game that brings everyone together, and gives me five minutes off my feet!

The Christmas Scattergories Game, a festive twist on a classic favorite that’ll have everyone laughing and showing off their creative side. It is the perfect holiday activity for the whole family.

This game is simple to set up, fun for all ages, and requires only a pen, paper, and a good sense of humor. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to play and enjoy this holiday gem.

What Is Scattergories?

In case you haven’t played before, Scattergories is a word-based game where you think of items in specific categories that all start with the same letter. Sounds easy, right? It’s harder than it looks when the timer’s ticking!

The Christmas version swaps out standard categories like “Types of Cars” for holiday-themed ones such as “Christmas Songs” or “Things You Put on a Tree.” This makes it festive, fun, and perfect for getting everyone in the holiday spirit!

What You’ll Need

This game is as low-prep as it gets. Here’s what you need:

• Paper: One sheet per player.
• Pens or Pencils: Enough for everyone to jot down their answers.
• Timer: A phone, kitchen timer, or even a dramatic child counting down works!
• Christmas Scattergories Category List: You can easily make your own or purchase a printable Christmas scattergories list. 

How to Play Christmas Scattergories

1. Set Up the Game

• Gather everyone around the table or in the living room setting (extra points if there’s hot cocoa involved).
• If you have a printable game pass out one game sheet to each person. Otherwise give each person a piece of paper and a pen.
• Ask everyone to write down some festive categories in a column on the left-hand side of the paper. If this sounds like too much work, just use a ready made christmas scattergories game.
• Here are some category examples if you are making your own game sheets:
  1. Christmas Songs
  2. Holiday Foods
  3. Gifts You Don’t Want
  4. Things Found in Santa’s Sleigh

2. Pick a Letter

Pick a random letter. Let’s say it’s “S.” Everyone now has to think of words that start with “S” for each category.

3. Set the Timer

Set the timer for 2-3 minutes. Trust me, the time pressure makes this game hilarious. 

4. Share Answers and Score

When the timer runs out, everyone takes turns reading their answers aloud.

• If two players have the same answer, no one gets points for it (this leads to some very passionate debates).
• Unique answers earn one point.
• If an answer is questionable, the group can vote on whether it counts.

5. Repeat and Have Fun

Play as many rounds as you like, choosing a new letter each time. At the end of the game, tally up the scores. The person with the most points wins… and probably gets first dibs on the Christmas cookies!

What Ages Can Play?

This game is perfect for ages 8 and up, but you can tweak it for younger kids. For example:

• Help younger ones by letting them team up with an adult.
• Skip the timer for kids who might feel pressured.
• Use easier categories like “Colors of Christmas” or “Things at a Holiday Party.”

For teens and adults, you can crank up the difficulty with obscure categories or letters like Q and X. Brace yourself for some wild answers!

Category Ideas for a Christmas Scattergories Game

Need more inspiration for your category list? Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

1. Christmas Songs
2. Holiday Movies
3. Christmas Decorations
4. Gifts You’d Re-Gift
5. Santa’s Reindeer
6. Foods at a Christmas Dinner
7. Things You Find in a Stocking
8. Snow-Related Words
9. Festive Words That Rhyme with "Tree"
10. Things You Don’t Want to Hear on Christmas Morning

Feel free to get creative! One year, we added “Excuses for Why the Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move” and laughed so hard we cried.

Why This Game is Perfect for the Holidays

• It’s Inclusive: Everyone from your chatty cousin to your shy neighbor can join in.
• It Sparks Creativity: You’ll be amazed at the funny and clever answers people come up with.
• It’s Budget-Friendly: No fancy supplies needed!
• It Builds Memories: Years later, you’ll still laugh about the time Grandpa wrote “penguin poop” for “Things Found at the North Pole.”

Pro Tips for Maximum Fun

1. Play Around the Tree: Set the mood with Christmas music and twinkling lights.
2. Add Prizes: Little treats or silly trophies make the competition extra fun.
3. Make It Silly: Encourage off-the-wall answers for laughs. Creativity counts more than logic sometimes!
4. Take Photos: Capture those moments of people cracking up at their own ridiculous answers.

So, grab your pens and gather the family, because the Christmas Scattergories Game is about to become your new holiday tradition. Whether it’s your little ones giggling over their answers or your competitive sibling insisting "Yulelog Yogurt" is a real thing, this game guarantees laughter and memories to last well beyond the holiday season.