The Christmas Left Right game is a popular holiday gift exchange activity where participants pass gifts based on directional cues in a story. This post provides five engaging poems for the game, along with tips for organizing a successful and enjoyable gift exchange event.
Understanding the Christmas Left Right Game
The Christmas Left Right game is a festive and interactive way to exchange gifts during holiday gatherings. It combines storytelling with gift-giving, creating a fun and memorable experience for all participants.
How the Game Works
The basic premise of the Christmas Left Right game is simple:
- Participants sit in a circle, each holding a wrapped gift.
- A story or poem containing the words “left” and “right” is read aloud.
- When “left” is mentioned, players pass their gift to the person on their left.
- When “right” is mentioned, players pass their gift to the person on their right.
- At the end of the story, each person keeps the gift they’re holding.
This game adds an element of surprise and excitement to the traditional gift exchange, as no one knows which gift they’ll end up with until the very end.
Benefits of the Left Right Game
The Left Right game offers several advantages over other gift exchange methods:
- Inclusive participation: Everyone is actively involved throughout the game.
- Time-efficient: The game moves quickly, keeping participants engaged.
- Adaptable: Suitable for various group sizes and ages.
- Entertaining: The storytelling aspect adds humor and anticipation.
- Fair: The random nature of gift movement ensures equal opportunity for all.
Five Christmas Left Right Game Poems
Here are five original poems designed specifically for the Christmas Left Right game. Each poem incorporates multiple instances of “left” and “right” to guide gift passing during the game.
1. Santa’s Workshop Adventure
‘Twas the night before Christmas, in Santa’s workshop so bright,
Elves scurried LEFT and RIGHT, working with all their might.
To the LEFT of the room, toys piled up high,
While to the RIGHT, reindeer prepared to fly.
Santa checked his list, first the LEFT, then the RIGHT,
Ensuring no child would be missed on this magical night.
He packed his sleigh, gifts stacked LEFT and RIGHT,
Ready to embark on his annual flight.
As he LEFT the North Pole, stars shining bright,
He steered his sleigh LEFT, then back to the RIGHT.
Over cities and towns, he flew with delight,
Leaving presents for children, tucked in beds so tight.
When his journey was done, he returned home that night,
Feeling LEFT with joy, knowing all was set RIGHT.
He settled down in his chair, both LEFT and RIGHT,
Grateful for another Christmas, merry and bright.
2. The Elf’s Dilemma
An elf named Jingle had a problem, you see,
He couldn’t tell his LEFT from his RIGHT with glee.
In Santa’s workshop, he’d often get lost,
Bumping into others, much to their cost.
To the LEFT he’d go when told to go RIGHT,
Causing chaos and laughter, day and night.
He’d put LEFT shoes on RIGHT feet with a grin,
And wrap presents backwards, much to all’s chagrin.
Santa decided to help, he couldn’t be LEFT out,
He gave Jingle a compass, to help him about.
Now LEFT and RIGHT were clear as can be,
And Jingle worked happily, filled with glee.
On Christmas Eve, he helped load the sleigh,
Placing gifts LEFT and RIGHT without delay.
As Santa took off into the starry night,
Jingle waved with his LEFT, then his RIGHT.
3. The Reindeer Race
Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen,
Lined up LEFT to RIGHT, ready to race,
With Rudolph in front, setting the pace.
To the LEFT they darted, then to the RIGHT,
Zigzagging through clouds on Christmas night.
LEFT over mountains, RIGHT over seas,
Delivering gifts with grace and ease.
Sometimes they’d veer LEFT when they should go RIGHT,
But Rudolph’s nose kept them on track and bright.
They circled the globe, from LEFT to RIGHT,
Making sure no child was missed that night.
As dawn approached, they headed back home,
From RIGHT to LEFT, no longer to roam.
They landed safely, both LEFT and RIGHT,
Proud of their journey on Christmas night.
4. The Gingerbread Man’s Journey
A gingerbread man, fresh from the oven so hot,
Jumped off the tray, giving chase he was not.
He ran to the LEFT, then dashed to the RIGHT,
Evading the baker with all of his might.
Out of the kitchen, to the LEFT he did bound,
Then RIGHT past the cat, without making a sound.
He LEFT the house quickly, with a skip and a hop,
Turning RIGHT at the corner, he just couldn’t stop.
Through the town he ran, LEFT and RIGHT,
Passing houses decorated for Christmas so bright.
He took a LEFT at the park, then a RIGHT by the lake,
His journey a grand Christmas Eve escape.
But as night fell, he felt LEFT all alone,
Wishing he’d stayed in his RIGHT place at home.
He turned RIGHT around, then LEFT at the bend,
Racing back home to be with his friends
5. The Magical Christmas Tree
In the center of town stood a grand Christmas tree,
Decorated LEFT and RIGHT, a wonder to see.
Ornaments hung from branches LEFT and RIGHT,
Twinkling with magic on Christmas Eve night.
As the clock struck twelve, something strange occurred,
The ornaments came to life, not a soul stirred.
They danced to the LEFT, then spun to the RIGHT,
Filling the air with Christmas delight.
Candy canes marched LEFT, then paraded RIGHT,
While tinsel swayed LEFT and RIGHT in the night.
Lights blinked LEFT to RIGHT in merry display,
As the star on top directed this festive ballet.
When morning arrived, all was set RIGHT,
The tree stood still after its magical night.
Children gathered ’round, both LEFT and RIGHT,
Marveling at its beauty, a Christmas delight.
Note: These are printable Christmas Left Right Game poems. You can easily save and print these. Right click when using pc or tap and hold when using mobile to save them.
Tips for Organizing a Successful Left Right Gift Exchange
To ensure your Christmas Left Right game is a hit, consider the following tips:
Setting the Stage
- Arrange seating in a circle to facilitate easy gift passing.
- Ensure there’s enough space between participants for comfortable movement.
- Consider background music to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Gift Guidelines
- Set a price limit to keep things fair for all participants.
- Encourage creative and fun gift choices within the set budget.
- Remind participants to bring wrapped gifts to maintain the element of surprise.
Story Preparation
- Choose or create a story appropriate for your audience’s age and interests.
- Practice reading the story aloud to ensure smooth delivery.
- Consider printing copies for participants to follow along if desired.
Game Execution
- Explain the rules clearly before starting the game.
- Read the story at a steady pace, allowing time for gift passing.
- Pause briefly after each “left” or “right” to ensure gifts are passed correctly.
Post-Game Activities
- Allow time for participants to open and share their gifts.
- Consider having a “gift swap” period for those who wish to trade.
- Encourage participants to share stories about their gifts or the game experience.
Variations on the Left Right Game
While the basic Left Right game is enjoyable, you can add variety with these variations:
Themed Gift Exchange
Choose a specific theme for gifts, such as “holiday treats” or “winter accessories,” to add an extra layer of fun and creativity to the game.
Multiple Passes
Instead of passing gifts only once per “left” or “right” mention, have participants pass twice or three times to increase the unpredictability of final gift placement.
Reverse Direction
Halfway through the story, reverse the passing directions so “left” means pass right and vice versa, adding an extra challenge for participants.
Musical Chairs Version
Combine the Left Right game with musical chairs. When the music stops, read a portion of the story and pass gifts accordingly.
Custom Story Creation
Encourage participants to contribute to the story by adding their own “left” and “right” sentences, creating a unique and personalized game experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal group size for a Left Right gift exchange?
The Left Right game works well with groups of 5 to 30 people. Smaller groups allow for quicker gift movement, while larger groups create more suspense and variety.
How long should the Left Right story or poem be?
Aim for a story or poem that takes 3-5 minutes to read aloud. This provides enough time for gift movement without dragging on too long.
Can children participate in the Left Right game?
Yes, children can participate. Consider using simpler stories and ensuring gifts are age-appropriate if children are involved.
What if someone ends up with their own gift?
If this happens, you can either allow it or have a quick “gift swap” at the end of the game for those who received their own gifts.
How can I make the game more inclusive for participants with disabilities?
Consider seating arrangements that accommodate all participants, use clear verbal cues, and offer assistance with gift passing if needed.
Korean Community Church Of New Jersey
