Holly, Jolly, and Just a Little Sinister: Christmas Games to Tear the Family Asunder!

The holidays are a time of light, laughter, and lurking chaos. Around every twinkling tree and beneath every strand of mistletoe lies the potential for joy… or mischief. What better way to stoke the embers of familial camaraderie and rivalry than with a collection of Christmas board games? These festive titles promise merriment, but behind their cheerful facades, they harbor a delightful undercurrent of strategy, competition, and, occasionally, glorious sabotage.

First on our sleigh ride is Santa’s Workshop by Elf Crest Games. At a glance, it seems as harmless as a mug of cocoa, inviting players to step into the cozy and suspiciously efficient world of Santa’s toy factory. But beneath the tinsel lies a ruthless battle for elf supremacy. Players manage their team of hardworking elves, crafting toys to meet Santa’s exacting standards while collecting resources, upgrading skills, and occasionally "borrowing" opportunities from their competitors. This game is a love letter to the worker-placement genre, with just enough whimsy to mask the cutthroat competition. Will your elves bask in Santa’s favor, or will your workshop crumble under the weight of its sugar-fueled ambition?

Then there’s 12 Days, a card game that wraps the holiday season into a package of gift-giving and set collection. On the surface, it’s all about giving and receiving, spreading the spirit of Christmas cheer. But when played in the right company, your most devious family members, it becomes a high-stakes dance of calculation and bluffing. Who knew re-gifting could be so cutthroat?

For those who find solace in a bit of chaos, Christmas Lights: A Card Game is an absolute delight. It’s simple enough: arrange your tangled lights into a complete string. But as anyone who’s wrestled with actual Christmas lights can attest, simplicity is an illusion. Miscommunication, sabotage, and just the right amount of luck turn this game into a holiday scramble that’s every bit as infuriating as it is fun.

Finally, for the truly brave, there’s Letters to Santa, a reimagining of the classic Love Letter. In this game of deduction and luck, players attempt to get their carefully crafted letter directly into Santa’s hands while thwarting the efforts of others. It’s quick, portable, and perfect for those family members who can’t resist a bit of festive intrigue.

Whether your family prefers merry cooperation or seasonal scheming, Christmas board games offer something for everyone. They remind us that, much like the holidays themselves, gaming is about shared moments, the laughter, the grudges, and the inevitable recounting of victories and defeats for years to come.

So, gather ‘round the table, dim the lights, and let the games begin. Just remember: the holidays may be a time of giving, but in the shadows of Santa’s Workshop, it’s every elf for themselves.