Christmas Story Builder

What it is

Christmas Story Builder is a collaborative storytelling game in which the group creates one Christmas tale together, one contribution at a time. The first player begins with a simple festive opening, then each person adds the next sentence or two, continuing whatever has already happened while introducing their own idea.

The story usually becomes funnier and more unexpected as it moves around the group, making the game especially useful when you want everyone talking without keeping score or needing any materials. It works with children, adults, families and coworkers, and the group can keep the story sensible or let it become completely ridiculous.

Setting up

No materials are required. Sit or stand where everyone can hear one another and choose the order in which players will contribute. Decide whether each turn will be limited to one sentence or allow up to two short sentences. Choose the first player and, if the group wants some direction, agree on a simple Christmas starting situation such as Santa losing a present, a snowman appearing at the door or a Christmas dinner going unexpectedly wrong.

How to play

1. Choose the first player to begin the Christmas story with one or two sentences.
2. Move to the next player in the agreed order.
3. That player continues the same story by adding one or two new sentences.
4. Each contribution should build on what has already happened rather than restarting or replacing the story.
5. Continue around the group, letting each player add a new event, character or complication.
6. After everyone has contributed, begin another round if the group wants the story to continue.
7. When the group is ready to finish, have the final player bring the story to a Christmas ending.

Rules

• Each player should continue the existing story rather than ignoring what previous players added.
• Keep each turn short so everyone gets regular chances to contribute.
• Players may introduce new characters, places and events as long as they can reasonably fit into the story.
• Do not deliberately make a contribution impossible for the next player to continue.
• Keep the story appropriate for the ages and setting of the group.
• For workplace groups, avoid using real coworkers as embarrassing or insulting characters.

Variations

• One-Word Story: Players add only one word at a time, moving rapidly around the group to build each sentence together.
• Christmas Movie Style: Before starting, choose a style such as Christmas comedy, mystery or adventure and try to keep the story within that genre.
• Three-Round Story: Play exactly three complete rounds around the group, with the final player responsible for ending the story.
• Must-Include Challenge: Before starting, choose three festive things such as a reindeer, a missing gift and a Christmas cookie that must appear somewhere in the story.