How Do You Play White Elephant Christmas Game? 10 Fun Ideas To Make Your Gathering Memorable

How Do You Play White Elephant Christmas Game?

White Elephant, also known as Yankee Swap, is a popular Christmas game that brings laughter and excitement to holiday gatherings. It is a gift exchange game where participants have the chance to steal each other’s presents. If you are wondering how to play this fun-filled game, we have got you covered!

Gather Your Group and Set the Rules

Invite your family, friends, or colleagues to join in the White Elephant game. Make sure everyone is on board and ready to participate. Determine how many gifts each person should bring. A common rule is for each participant to bring one wrapped gift.

Choosing the Playing Order

Decide on the playing order. You can draw numbers from a hat or use a randomizer app to determine who goes first, second, and so on.

Setup the Gift Display Area

Designate a space in the playing area where all the gifts will be displayed. This could be a table or a separate area on the floor. Make sure each gift is clearly visible and easy to access when it’s time to play.

Understand the Basic Rules

Everyone sits in a circle around the gift display area. The first player selects a gift from the pile and opens it for everyone to see. The second player can either choose a new gift from the pile or steal the gift from the first player. If the gift is stolen, the first player gets to select a new gift. The game continues with each subsequent player having the option to steal an opened gift or choose a new one.

Set the Stealing Limit

Decide on the maximum number of times a gift can be stolen. For example, you may set a rule that a gift can only be stolen three times before it’s considered “frozen” or “locked.” This prevents one gift from being continuously passed around and keeps the game moving along.

Have a Time Limit

To keep the game from going on indefinitely, set a time limit for each turn. This ensures that the game progresses smoothly and allows everyone to have a fair chance at choosing or stealing a gift.

End the Game

Once the last player has taken their turn, the game comes to an end. At this point, the first player gets the option to swap their gift with any of the previously opened gifts. After that, the playing order is reversed, and each person can decide whether to keep their current gift or steal someone else’s. The game officially concludes once every player has had the opportunity to make a final steal or keep their present.

Spread joy and laughter!

The joy of White Elephant comes from the surprises, the steals, and the friendly banter that follows. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit together. Encourage creativity and good-natured competition among participants.

Tips for a Successful White Elephant Game

Set a budget for the gifts to ensure fairness and avoid extravagant spending.
Encourage participants to bring unique, funny, or interesting gifts that will spark excitement.
Remind players to keep the gifts anonymous during the game to maintain an element of surprise.
Consider adding themed rounds to the game, such as “regifted items” or “something green.”
Provide snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized and in a festive mood.
Don’t forget to take photos or video clips during the game to capture the unforgettable moments!

Now that you know how to play the White Elephant Christmas game, gather your loved ones, prepare some entertaining gifts, and get ready to create lasting memories filled with laughter and holiday cheer!

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