Cards Against Christmas is a holiday-themed variation of the popular party game “Cards Against Humanity.”
It adapts the game’s format by replacing the original prompts and responses with Christmas-themed content, such as festive references, holiday traditions, and humorous takes on the Christmas season.
The game typically involves players filling in the blanks of holiday-themed statements or answering holiday-related questions with cards that contain either funny, absurd, or edgy answers.
Like the original game, “Cards Against Christmas” is intended for adults due to its often irreverent and sometimes inappropriate humor.
It can be a fun way to add some humor and irreverence to holiday gatherings, such as Christmas parties or family get-togethers, offering a lighthearted alternative to traditional Christmas games.
Players can expect jokes about everything from Santa Claus to awkward family moments, gift-giving fails, and holiday mishaps.
The goal, like “Cards Against Humanity,” is to get the most laughs with the most outrageous or humorous answers.
Why It’s the Perfect Game for the Holidays
“Cards Against Christmas” is the perfect game for the holidays because it combines humor with the festive spirit in a way that’s both fun and engaging.
Here’s why it fits so well:
- Holiday Humor: The game takes the familiar “Cards Against Humanity” format and injects it with Christmas-themed content. This allows players to poke fun at the quirks of the holiday season—awkward family gatherings, strange gift exchanges, and even the often over-the-top Christmas commercials.
- Easy to Play: The rules are simple, making it easy for players of all ages (18+) to jump in and start having fun right away. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or any casual get-together during the Christmas season.
- Laughter-Focused: With its irreverent humor and playful nature, “Cards Against Christmas” is designed to make people laugh. Whether you’re playing with friends or extended family, the goal is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company with a lot of lighthearted moments.
- Conversation Starter: Some of the humor is unexpectedly bold and offbeat, making it a great conversation starter that can break the ice and get people talking, especially in larger groups.
- Memorable: It creates lasting memories with hilarious answers, ensuring your holiday gatherings are filled with laughter and joy.
How to Play the Christmas Edition
Playing the Christmas Edition of Cards Against Humanity (or Cards Against Christmas) is just as simple as the classic game, but with a holiday twist!
Here’s how you can play:
1. Gather Players
- Get a group of friends or family together. It’s best to have at least 3-4 players, but the more the merrier! The game is recommended for adults (18+) due to its humor.
2. Shuffle the Cards
- The game consists of two types of cards: Black cards (the prompt cards) and White cards (the answer cards).
- Shuffle the White cards and give each player a hand of 10 cards. Shuffle the Black cards and set them in the middle of the table.
3. Pick a Card Czar
- Select one person to be the Card Czar. This player will draw and read aloud a Black card (which contains a holiday-themed prompt or fill-in-the-blank statement).
4. Players Choose Answers
- The other players choose one of their White cards to respond to the prompt on the Black card. Players can be as silly, naughty, or creative as they like with their answers.
5. Card Czar Reads the Answers
- After everyone has chosen their card, the Card Czar reads all the responses aloud and picks the funniest or most fitting one. The player who submitted that card wins the round and gets to keep the Black card as a point.
6. Repeat the Rounds
- Play continues with the next person becoming the Card Czar, and the rounds continue until you decide to stop or reach a set number of rounds.
7. End the Game
- The winner is the person who has collected the most Black cards by the end of the game.
Tips:
- Encourage creativity and fun with your answers.
- The Christmas edition is all about holiday humor, so expect some naughty, silly, and unexpected combinations that will have everyone laughing!
Top Expansion Packs and Custom Cards
If you’re looking to spice up your Cards Against Christmas experience or the classic Cards Against Humanity game during the holiday season, expansion packs and custom cards can add a fresh twist! Here are some of the top expansion packs and custom card ideas for a holiday-themed game:
Top Expansion Packs:
- Cards Against Humanity: The Holiday Pack
- This expansion is perfect for adding a Christmas flair to the classic game. It features holiday-themed prompts and answers that bring festive humor to the game. Expect cards related to Santa, reindeer, holiday mishaps, and more.
- Cards Against Humanity: Jokes Pack
- Although not specifically holiday-themed, the Jokes Pack can add extra absurdity to your holiday game. It features bizarre and humorous cards that can perfectly complement your Christmas-themed gameplay.
- Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
- If you’re playing with family members, especially those with kids in the mix, the Family Edition offers a toned-down version of the game with family-friendly cards. It’s not strictly for Christmas, but it’s a great option for a more inclusive holiday game.
- Cards Against Humanity: Expansions 1-5
- If you’re after a variety of humor for any occasion, these five core expansions cover everything from outrageous to dark humor, and they pair well with any holiday-themed play.
- Cards Against Humanity: Green Box
- The Green Box is another great expansion to consider if you want more variety. While not specifically Christmas-related, the humor in these cards can create hilarious moments when combined with your holiday-themed game.
Custom Christmas Cards:
If you’re feeling creative and want to add some truly personalized humor, you can create your own custom Christmas cards for your game.
Here are a few fun ideas:
-
Christmas Disaster Cards
- Example Card: “The Christmas dinner ruined by… Uncle Bob’s ‘special’ stuffing.”
- Example Answer: “A Christmas tree on fire!”
-
Santa’s Secret Cards
- Example Card: “Santa’s secret workshop is actually filled with… elderly elves playing bingo.”
- Example Answer: “Gingerbread people running away in terror.”
-
Reindeer Games Cards
- Example Card: “Rudolph’s new job is to… break dance at the North Pole’s talent show.”
- Example Answer: “Teach the elves how to twerk.”
-
Naughty or Nice Cards
- Example Card: “Santa knows you’ve been naughty because of… the hot cocoa incident.”
- Example Answer: “That time you replaced the milk with eggnog and set off the fire alarm.”
-
Christmas Movie Parodies
- Example Card: “In Home Alone, Kevin’s secret weapon was… farting in the attic.”
- Example Answer: “A bucket of sticky candy canes.”
How to Create Custom Cards:
- You can easily make custom cards by using blank Cards Against Humanity cards or printables online.
- Use card generators that allow you to input your own text, ensuring your holiday humor is unique.
- Custom cards allow you to reflect personal experiences, family inside jokes, or add your favorite pop culture references to create a memorable game experience.
Family-Friendly vs. Naughty Versions
When it comes to Cards Against Christmas or Cards Against Humanity, there are two main styles of play that cater to different types of audiences: family-friendly and naughty versions.
Both can offer a hilarious experience, but it’s important to choose the right one depending on the setting and group of players. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two and how to decide which is best for your holiday gathering:
Family-Friendly Version
The family-friendly version of Cards Against Christmas or Cards Against Humanity is perfect for playing with kids, relatives, or anyone who might not appreciate the more mature humor.
These versions tend to avoid crude language, sexual references, and dark humor, making them more suitable for all ages.
Features of the Family-Friendly Version:
- Milder humor: While still funny, the jokes are less edgy and more light-hearted.
- Inclusive content: Topics are more suitable for younger players or more conservative family settings.
- Less shocking: The humor avoids offensive or controversial themes.
Where to Play:
- Holiday family dinners
- Children’s Christmas parties
- Work parties with mixed age groups
Naughty Version
The naughty version of Cards Against Christmas is more adult-oriented and features humor that leans into the outrageous, risqué, and sometimes inappropriate.
This version is designed for mature audiences who are comfortable with explicit language, sexual innuendos, and dark humor.
Features of the Naughty Version:
- Adult humor: Expect more daring jokes, including sexual or inappropriate references.
- Shock value: The game can include cruder, more taboo themes that can be hilarious but also a bit uncomfortable for some players.
- Pop culture references: More references to adult topics and current events that may not be family-friendly.
Where to Play:
- Adult-only holiday gatherings
- Parties with close friends
- Casual get-togethers where everyone is comfortable with adult humor
Choosing the Right Version
- Consider the Audience: If you’re hosting a mixed-age group, it’s probably better to opt for the family-friendly version. For a party with close friends or adults, the naughty version can provide more laughs and absurdity.
- Set Expectations: Make sure your guests are aware of the type of game you’re playing. If it’s a family gathering, ensure that everyone is on board with a milder experience, but if it’s a casual adult party, the naughty version is perfect.
- Game Customization: Many versions of the game allow you to swap out cards or add custom ones, so you can personalize the game for your group. You can even create a hybrid version by keeping some cards family-friendly and others more daring.
Fun Rules to Spice Up Your Game Night
If you’re looking to spice up your Cards Against Christmas or Cards Against Humanity game night, there are plenty of fun and creative rules you can implement to add some variety and excitement to the game.
Here are a few ideas to help you take your holiday game night to the next level:
1. Themed Rounds
Give each round a theme to add extra fun to the game. For example:
- Holiday Movie Night: Only allow answers that reference Christmas movies.
- Santa’s Workshop: Answers must be Christmas-themed, like toys or reindeer.
- New Year’s Eve: Answers must involve resolutions or celebrations.
2. Reverse Round
In this twist, the judge picks a card from the white pile (instead of the black card), and players have to come up with the funniest response from their hand that fits with the card. It’s a great way to keep the game fresh and make everyone think outside the box.
3. “No Laughing” Rule
The judge picks a card, and players are required to keep a straight face. If they laugh at someone else’s card, they lose that round. This adds a hilarious challenge as everyone tries to keep their composure!
4. Silent Round
Everyone plays their cards without speaking or reacting to the other cards. The judge will choose the funniest response based purely on the card’s context, so players have to make their cards stand out on their own.
5. Random Card Swap
At the beginning of the game, everyone gets to swap one card with another player. It adds an element of strategy, as people might get the perfect card to match a future prompt.
6. The “Tacky Christmas” Challenge
Every time a player uses a card that’s particularly “tacky” or “cheesy,” they earn bonus points, but only if it’s truly cringe-worthy! This will encourage players to get creative with their humor.
7. Extra Bonus Points for Christmas Spirit
Give players bonus points for incorporating Christmas cheer into their responses, like mentioning Santa, snowmen, or Christmas cookies. It adds a wholesome touch to an otherwise raunchy game!
8. Use the Timer
Speed things up by setting a timer for each round—say, 30 seconds per turn. The pressure to choose a card quickly can lead to some truly wild responses.
9. Holiday Song Challenge
Before starting a new round, the players must sing a Christmas song verse or hum a tune before they can place their cards. This will get everyone laughing and in the holiday spirit before moving on to the next round!
10. Custom Rules (Player’s Choice)
Let players create their own unique rules for a round or two. Whether it’s having to act out a card or telling a quick Christmas joke before playing, this will make everyone feel more involved in the fun!
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Game Night
Hosting a holiday game night is a great way to bring friends and family together for a fun-filled, memorable evening.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas gathering or a festive New Year’s celebration, here are some tips to help ensure your holiday game night is a hit:
1. Choose the Right Games
Make sure to pick games that suit your guest list. If you’re hosting a family-friendly event, consider classics like Pictionary, Charades, or Monopoly.
For a more adult crowd, games like Cards Against Humanity, Cards Against Christmas, or Codenames can add a lot of laughs. Mix up the variety so everyone stays engaged and entertained.
2. Set the Mood with Decorations
Create a festive atmosphere with holiday-themed decorations. Use string lights, a Christmas tree, or a Hanukkah menorah, depending on the season.
You can also use festive tablecloths, napkins, and themed game pieces to make the space feel special.
3. Offer Festive Snacks & Drinks
Holiday treats are a must! Serve up some seasonal favorites like gingerbread cookies, eggnog, hot chocolate, or mulled wine.
Finger foods like cheese platters, chips, and dip work well for snacking during game breaks. Make sure to offer options for dietary restrictions to accommodate all guests.
4. Set Up Multiple Game Stations
If you have a large group, set up multiple stations for different games. This allows guests to rotate and try different activities throughout the evening. It also keeps things moving and ensures that no one gets bored while waiting for their turn.
5. Create Teams or Small Groups
To ensure everyone gets involved, divide your guests into teams or small groups. This encourages collaboration, and for games that require a bit of strategy, team play can make things even more exciting. Plus, it’s a great way to get people mingling.
6. Incorporate Holiday-Themed Challenges
To add some seasonal flair, include holiday-themed twists to your games. For example, in Pictionary, you could require players to draw Christmas-related items.
Or, you could make a Charades round only based on Christmas movies or New Year’s Eve traditions. Customizing games with holiday themes will add an extra layer of fun.
7. Keep the Music Playing
A festive playlist will keep the holiday spirit alive. Include a mix of classic Christmas songs, upbeat tunes, and fun party tracks.
You can also create specific playlists for game breaks, so everyone has time to relax and chat between rounds.
8. Keep It Lighthearted and Fun
Remember, the main goal of the game night is fun! Keep the mood light and don’t get too competitive.
Be encouraging and celebrate everyone’s attempts—whether they win or not. Laughter is the best part of any game night, so make sure to keep the games relaxed and enjoyable.
9. Create a Comfortable Space
Ensure your guests feel comfortable by offering cozy seating arrangements. Consider having enough chairs for everyone and provide throw blankets for added warmth and comfort. This will create an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy the night.
10. Have a Prize for the Winners
While it’s all about having fun, a small holiday-themed prize for the winning team or individual can be a nice touch.
Whether it’s a bottle of wine, a festive ornament, or a quirky trophy, a fun prize adds some friendly competition to the night.
Conclusion
A holiday game night is a fantastic way to celebrate the season with friends and family, and nothing brings out the laughs quite like Cards Against Christmas.
This cheeky twist on the popular party game is filled with festive humor, naughty punchlines, and holiday-themed cards that will have everyone in stitches.
Whether you’re playing the original version or a custom Christmas expansion, it’s guaranteed to turn any gathering into an unforgettable event.
To host the ultimate holiday game night, create a cozy setting with twinkling lights, warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiked eggnog, and some Christmas tunes in the background.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—add themed snacks, wear ugly sweaters, or introduce your own hilarious house rules for added fun.
If you’re expecting a mixed-age crowd, consider switching to a family-friendly version or splitting into teams so everyone can participate comfortably.
The beauty of Cards Against Christmas is that it combines classic holiday cheer with unexpected twists, making it perfect for adults looking to shake up the season’s usual traditions.
More than just a game, it’s an opportunity to bond, joke, and make memories. In the end, laughter is the best gift you can share.