Santa Says

What it is

Santa Says is a Christmas command-following game in which one player acts as Santa and gives the group a series of simple instructions. Players should follow a command only when it begins with “Santa says”; if Santa gives the same kind of instruction without those words, everyone should stay still.

There is no elimination in the standard version, so anyone who makes a mistake simply rejoins the next command. That keeps the whole group involved and makes the game easy to use with young children, families, adults or coworkers. The funniest rounds mix obvious Christmas actions with quick changes of pace designed to catch players listening on autopilot.

Setting up

No materials or preparation are required. Give everyone enough space to move safely without bumping into furniture or other players. Choose the first person to be Santa and agree on an order for passing the Santa role between rounds. Commands should be simple, safe and appropriate for the ages, abilities and setting of the group.

How to play

1. Santa stands where everyone can hear and see them.
2. Santa gives a series of simple commands, sometimes beginning with “Santa says” and sometimes leaving those words out.
3. Players follow the command only when it begins with “Santa says.”
4. If a command does not begin with “Santa says,” players should stay still and ignore it.
5. Anyone who follows the wrong command or misses a valid one simply keeps playing when the next command begins.
6. After about one minute of commands, pass the Santa role to the next person in the agreed order.
7. Continue with new Santas until the group is ready to stop.

Rules

• Only follow a command when it begins with the words “Santa says.”
• Mistakes do not eliminate anyone from the standard game.
• Give players enough time to complete one command safely before immediately requiring a conflicting movement.
• Use movements that fit the available space and the abilities of the group.
• Do not require running, climbing, physical contact, throwing objects or movements that could cause someone to fall.
• Players may adapt or skip any movement they cannot perform comfortably.
• For workplace groups, keep commands appropriate for the setting and avoid embarrassing or personally targeted instructions.
• Pass the Santa role in the agreed order rather than choosing the best-performing player.

Variations

• Christmas Actions: Use festive commands such as pretending to wrap a present, decorating a tree, ringing a bell or walking like a penguin through snow.
• Seated Santa Says: Use only movements that can be performed while seated, such as clapping, waving, touching a shoulder or making simple festive gestures.
• Fast Santa: Gradually shorten the pause between commands while still allowing every movement to be completed safely.
• Three-Chance Challenge: For groups that want light competition, give each player three chances. A player loses one chance after each mistake; after the third mistake, they sit out until the next round.