Christmas I Spy

What it is

Christmas I Spy is a simple observation game in which one player secretly chooses a Christmas-related object or detail that everyone can already see and gives a clue about it. The other players look around from where they are and try to identify the chosen object before the clue-giver reveals it.

Because nothing needs to be prepared, hidden or collected, the game works well as a quick activity around a table, in a living room or at a workplace gathering. Younger children can use obvious colors and objects, while older groups can make the clues more specific or choose smaller festive details that are harder to notice.

Setting up

No materials or preparation are required. Gather where everyone has a reasonably similar view of the room or table and agree on which visible area is in play. Christmas decorations, wrapped gifts, table settings, clothing and other clearly visible festive details can all be used. Choose a first clue-giver and agree on the order in which the clue-giver role will rotate.

How to play

1. The clue-giver silently chooses one visible Christmas object or detail within the agreed area.
2. Without pointing at it or naming it, the clue-giver gives one simple clue, such as its color, shape or location.
3. The other players take turns making guesses.
4. If nobody guesses correctly, the clue-giver gives another clue.
5. Continue giving clues and taking guesses until someone identifies the chosen object.
6. After the round ends, pass the clue-giver role to the next player in the agreed order.
7. Continue until everyone has had a chance to be the clue-giver, then keep playing if the group wants more rounds.

Rules

• Choose only something that was already visible when the round began.
• The chosen object must be within the agreed play area and reasonably visible to the other players.
• Do not move, uncover or reposition objects to make a clue work.
• The clue-giver may describe features such as color, shape, size, position or use, but should not say any part of the object’s name.
• Players should make one guess at a time so everyone has a chance to participate.
• Do not point, stare deliberately at the chosen object or otherwise reveal it through gestures.
• Each player should have a turn as clue-giver before anyone takes a second clue-giver turn.
• Keep clues appropriate for the ages and setting of the group.

Variations

• Color Clues: Begin every round with the traditional format, “I spy with my little eye something…” followed by a color.
• Kids Version: Use large, familiar objects such as a Christmas tree, stocking, present or Santa decoration.
• Detail Hunt: Choose small visible details such as a star on wrapping paper, a bell on a decoration or a snowflake on a card.
• Three-Clue Limit: The clue-giver may give at most three clues before revealing the answer and starting a new round.