Creating magical holiday memories often comes down to those special moments when everyone gathers together, sharing laughter and joy. If you’re looking for a fresh way to make your holiday gift exchange more entertaining this year, let us introduce you to our festive twist on a classic: The “Twas The Night Before Christmas” Left Right Game.
Imagine the beloved poem you’ve known since childhood transformed into an interactive Christmas party game that has everyone on the edge of their seats. This isn’t just another gift exchange – it’s a delightful combination of storytelling and surprise that brings the magic of Christmas to life. As the familiar verses are read aloud, gifts move left and right around the circle, and no one knows which present they’ll end up with when St. Nicholas completes his famous Christmas Eve journey.
Perfect for family gatherings, classroom parties, or holiday office celebrations, this game takes the beloved “Twas The Night Before Christmas” poem and adds a creative twist that keeps everyone engaged and entertained. The best part? It’s simple enough for players of all ages to enjoy, yet engaging enough to become your new holiday tradition.
So if you’re planning a Christmas gift-exchange this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! Gather your group and get comfortable as we share a special version of this Christmas classic.
What is a Left Right Game?
In case you’ve never played a Left Right game, they’re simple to set up, easy to learn, and super entertaining!
Unlike traditional gift exchanges where you might draw names or pick numbers, this game keeps gifts in constant motion, creating excitement and suspense throughout the entire experience. The concept is beautifully simple: when you hear the word “LEFT,” you pass your gift to the left, and when you hear “RIGHT,” you pass to the right.
Best of all, it’s an ice-breaker that brings people together. Even guests who don’t know each other well find themselves laughing and chatting as they pass presents left and right, sharing in the excitement of wondering which gift they’ll end up with when the story ends. It’s the kind of activity that creates those cherished party moments everyone talks about long after the holiday season is over.
How to Play:
Have all players sit in a circle, with each person holding a wrapped gift. Choose someone with a clear speaking voice to be the storyteller. As they read the story aloud, everyone listens carefully for the words “LEFT” and “RIGHT” and passes their gifts accordingly. When the story ends, everyone keeps the gift they’re holding – it’s that simple!
Tips for Setting up the Game:
Before you begin, make sure all players understand the passing directions and can easily reach their neighbors. It’s best to keep gift sizes manageable for quick and easy passing. We recommend groups of 8-12 players per circle – if you have more participants, consider creating multiple circles. The storyteller should read at a steady pace, allowing enough time for gifts to be passed while maintaining the flow of the beloved Christmas tale.
“Twas The Night Before Christmas” Preview
‘Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was LEFT stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were LEFT by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled RIGHT snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced RIGHT in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had settled RIGHT down for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang RIGHT from bed to see what was the matter.
RIGHT to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
LEFT a lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew RIGHT in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
Get the Full Christmas Left Right Story!
Find out how this classic tale unfolds with our complete game-ready version! Each purchase includes a beautifully formatted PDF with clear LEFT and RIGHT directions, making it easy to read aloud and keep your party moving smoothly.
Make your holiday party extra special this year with a game that combines tradition, surprise, and the magic of everyone’s favorite Christmas poem!
More Christmas Left Right Stories
While “Twas The Night Before Christmas” is a cherished classic, we have several other holiday-themed Left Right stories that bring their own special magic to your gift exchange. Each story has been carefully crafted to create the perfect balance of narrative flow and gift-passing fun.
Grinchmas Cookies
Who wouldn’t want to join in a gift-passing adventure featuring everyone’s favorite Christmas grouch? Our Grinch-themed Left Right story brings the whimsical world of Whoville to life! In this cute tale, The Grinch, whose heart has grown three sizes bigger, and his loyal companion, Max, are busy preparing Christmas treats for their new friends in Whoville!
Perfect for classroom Christmas parties, children’s holiday gatherings, or family celebrations where little Who’s are present, this story captures all the fun of Dr. Seuss’s beloved world while creating an interactive gift-giving experience that even the Grinch himself would enjoy!
Christmas Lights
Everyone knows that one neighbor who waits until the last possible minute to put up their Christmas lights! In this heartwarming Christmas Left Right story, join Mr. Wright as he scrambles to fulfill his wife’s request to decorate their home in lights!
Whether you’re planning a gift-exchange for your local community center, workplace, or classroom, “Christmas Lights” is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!
The Nativity Story
For those seeking a meaningful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, our Nativity Left Right story offers a reverent yet engaging retelling of the very first Christmas night. Following Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, this beautifully crafted poem guides players LEFT and RIGHT as the sacred story unfolds.
The Nativity Left Right story is perfect to share with your Sunday school class, church small group, or family this Christmas season. This thoughtful game helps children and adults alike connect with the miracle of Christ’s birth while participating in a memorable gift exchange that echoes the giving spirit of those first Christmas gifts.
Each of these stories is available in our Etsy shop as an instantly downloadable PDF, formatted for easy reading and including complete game instructions. Whether you’re hosting multiple holiday gatherings or simply want to try different stories throughout the season, these festive tales offer fresh ways to enjoy the Left Right gift exchange experience.
Making Memories
There’s something magical about combining gift-giving with storytelling, especially during the holiday season. As the familiar words of this cherished poem fill the room, mixed with laughter and the sound of presents being passed left and right, you’re not just playing a game – you’re creating memories that will be talked about at future family gatherings.
Want to start this delightful new tradition with your loved ones? Head to our Etsy shop for your copy of the complete story or check out our other Christmas Left Right Stories! Your purchase helps support small creators while bringing joy to your holiday celebration!
