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Free printable left right Christmas games are simple holiday activities built around a funny story and repeated directional cues. As the reader says “left” or “right,” players pass a wrapped gift in that direction. When the story ends, each person keeps the gift in hand. Some versions also include “across” instructions, sending gifts to the person opposite the circle for an extra surprise.
This game is useful for Christmas parties, family gatherings, classroom celebrations, church groups, office events, and white elephant exchanges. It works with children, teens, and adults because the rules are easy to understand and the story creates plenty of laughter. The activity is also helpful when a host wants a structured gift exchange that does not require complicated scoring, a game board, or special equipment.
How to Play
- Choose a printable Christmas left right story and print enough copies for the reader and any helpers.
- Ask each player to bring one small wrapped gift, or provide inexpensive prizes such as candy, ornaments, stickers, gift cards, or small toys.
- Have everyone sit in a circle with one gift in their hands.
- Select one person to read the story aloud. Players pass gifts to the left whenever “left” is heard and to the right whenever “right” is heard.
- If the story includes “across,” pass the gift to the person directly opposite. If the circle is uneven, agree in advance which nearby player should receive it.
- When the story finishes, everyone opens the gift they are holding.
For a smaller group, use one wrapped gift instead of one gift per person. Pass it around the circle during the story, and let the final holder keep it. This version is useful for classrooms, children’s groups, or parties where the host wants to supply a single prize.
Who Will Enjoy It?
Families can use the game as a quick activity after dinner, while teachers can add it to a holiday party or end-of-term celebration. It is also a practical choice for office parties because the activity encourages participation without requiring athletic ability or extensive preparation. For younger children, use lightweight gifts and read slowly enough for everyone to follow the directions.
Practical Printing Tips
- Print on US Letter paper at 8.5 by 11 inches, using the printable’s original size setting.
- Select “actual size” or 100% scale rather than “fit to page” when possible.
- Use regular copy paper for a quick event or white cardstock for a sturdier reading copy.
- Preview every page before printing to check that the story and directional words are not cut off.
- Highlight the words LEFT, RIGHT, and ACROSS with a marker if the text is difficult to scan while reading.
- Keep a second copy nearby in case the reader loses their place or the first page is damaged.
Prepare the gifts and seating arrangement before guests arrive. With the story printed and one confident reader chosen, this Christmas game can begin in just a few minutes.
Where to Find and Print Free Printable Left Right Christmas Games
Free Left Right Across Christmas Game Printable
Offers two Christmas left-right game printables in a downloadable PDF formatted for standard US Letter paper.
Free Right Left Christmas Game Printable
Provides a holiday gift-exchange story printable with instructions for family, classroom, office, and party use.