A wonderful family game that you can play this Christmas is Scattergories! It’s simple, fun, and fast-paced. You can even download my Christmas Scattergories printable, so you can play it instantly.

Use different letters to play different variations of the game. It’s great for parties, family game nights, or even in the classroom. With this Christmas-themed version you get an entertaining twist on the traditional Scattergories game.

Let’s review what Scattergories is and how to play a Christmas version of it.

What Is Scattergories?

Scattergories is a lively, fast-paced word game that involves creative thinking. Pick a letter, then try to think of a word that starts with that letter and matches the categories given. This is a great group or family game.

Can Scattergories Be Christmas-Themed?

Yes, it can! I created Scattergories printable sheets that are all about Christmas. All of the categories in this version are centered around Christmas, making it perfect to play during the holidays.

What Age Is This For?

Scattergories is a good game for ages 9 and up. Younger kids can play if they are on a team with an adult and want to help out.

Christmas Scattergories - 3 different Scattergory cards and a blank one.

How To Play Christmas Scattergories

  1. Pick a letter from the alphabet. If you want it to be random, you can put all the letters in a hat and draw one each time. Or just take turns picking. It would be well-advised to not use letters like Q, Z, I, etc. unless you really want a challenge.
  2. Write the letter at the top of the page or column where you will write your answers.
  3. Set a timer for 3 minutes. You could do shorter or longer depending on the age group and everyone’s skill level.
  4. When you say go, players use the selected letter to answer each category. Each category you complete should start with that letter. For example, if the category says “Christmas decorations” and the letter is L, you could write lights for your answer.
  5. When the timer goes off, everyone compares answers. If you have the same answer as anyone else, then you have to cross that one off your list, and it doesn’t count as a point. If your answer doesn’t match anyone’s and it makes sense, then you get a point for that answer. Unless it’s a double letter then it’s 2 points – more on that below.

Some Important Scattergories Rules

  • You can’t use adjectives as the answer. For example, if the category is fruit, and the letter is R, you can’t say red apple. That doesn’t count.
  • The same goes for articles. The, an, and a don’t count for a letter.
  • You can get extra points by using more than one word that starts with that letter. For example, if the category is famous people, and the letter is P, you could say Peter Parker. It would be two points.
  • You can be super creative. For example, if the category was something you slice, and the letter was G, you could say golf ball. If anyone’s answer seems a little too far-fetched, you can vote on it.
  • The vote is done by a raise of hands with who is for it and who is against it. The vote of the person who wrote the answer counts.
  • The person with the most points at the end of the round wins. Or, you can count all the points after as many rounds as you’d like to play.

Christmas Scattergories List Examples

My Scattergories Christmas printable cards all contain lists of categories that are Christmas-themed. Here’s examples of some of the categories that are included.

  • Christmas songs
  • Christmas decorations
  • Christmas stories
  • Christmas traditions
  • Things to do in the snow
  • Stocking stuffers
  • Things you do for Christmas Eve
  • Things associated with Nativity
  • Christmas hymns

Christmas Scattergories - great for parties and family nights.

Where To Get Christmas Scattergories Printable Game Sheets

You can download printable Christmas Scattergories sheets by clicking here. It comes with 3 different Christmas-themed game sheets, and you can play 2 games per game sheet. When  you change the letter, you can play several different variations of the game.

Things You Need With Your Christmas Scattergories Printable Sheets To Play

The only thing you need to play Christmas Scattergories is the game sheets, a pencil or pen, and a letter. If you own the real Scattergories game, you can use the letter die from it. If you don’t, then you can be creative with deciding which letter to use.

You can take turns picking a letter, or you can draw a letter from a hat.

Why Is This Game Fun To Play Around Christmas?

This is the perfect game to play at Christmas-time because it’s all about Christmas. It’s perfect for big groups, families, and classrooms. It can easily bring people together.

If you are looking for a fun holiday activity to play with family or friends, try out this Christmas Scattergories printable game!

Print off the instant download Scattergories cards today! You can play with your family, in your classroom, or for your next Christmas party. All you need is something to write with and a letter from the alphabet.

Find a word that starts with that letter and matches the Christmas category. This game is great for ages 9+ and perfect to play around the holidays.

Christmas Scattergories printable game sheets.

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