Christmas, a time of magic and wonder, family and friends, and where the warmth of a story can kindle the festive spirit in the coldest of hearts. Christmas is a time for bonding and Christmas-themed games and stories have long been a staple during this time of year, offering families and friends a chance to bond over shared tales of joy, hope, and laughter. From the classic narratives of Charles Dickens to the modern digital adventures, the essence of Christmas has been captured in countless ways, inviting people of all ages to indulge in the season’s cheer. At What’s Good to Play we just love to play board games, but we also love good stories, as you will know if you have visited our sister site What’s Good to Read, so combining games and storytelling has to be a winner with the storytelling Christmas game Once Upon a Christmas.
Once Upon a Christmas is a storytelling game for 1-6 players, age 4 to adult, with a playing time of around 15 minutes. This game is not just a fun game for festive game nights; it’s a journey through the snowy peaks of imagination and the cosy valleys of creativity.
In the box:
- 56 Picture Cards
- 6 Character Cards
- Instructions
The premise of the game is simple yet enchanting: players gather around and weave a funny Christmas story that’s as unique as a snowflake, using the cards that have been dealt. Each story must begin with “Once upon a Christmas …” and must have as must rich detail as possible to create the best story. It challenges players to think on their feet and spin a story that will captivate their audience (and hopefully win enough votes to win the game).
There are different ways to play this game:
- Individual players play against each other
- Players all work together
- Add in a character
If battling it out to be the best storyteller as individual players. Shuffle the deck of story cards and deal 4 in a row, facedown to each player. The oldest player goes first. To start, they flip over their first 2 cards so that everybody can see them and using the images on the cards start to tell their story, starting with Once upon a Christmas. Once they have told their story with as much detail as possible they can flip over their last 2 cards and complete their story. Play then moves onto the next player. After everybody has had a turn, players vote for the one story they think was the best and that player wins the vote. Then a new round begins. To win, the first player to score 4 votes is the victor (you can download and print a scorecard sheet from xmasboardgames.com)!
If you decide to play all together as one team the rules are slightly different. Deal 3 cards to each player, face down. Again the oldest player starts by flipping over any of their cards and starts the story, the next player then flips over one of their cards and continues the same story. Place continues in this fashion until all the cards have been used and the story is complete.
To add in a bit of extra fun and another level of creative storytelling, play as individuals or a team and add in a character and tell the story as that character (telling a story in a Santa Claus accent for example). There are six different character cards that can be used.
Overall, Once Upon a Christmas is a fantastically fun and creative story game that has an uncanny ability to bring people together. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the shared experience of building a story that will be remembered long after the game is over. The laughter that erupts when Uncle Bob portrays a mischievous elf with a penchant for eggnog, or the suspense that builds as Aunt Clara reveals a twist that no one saw coming – these are the moments that “Once Upon a Christmas” creates and that will be remembered, more so than who wins or loses.
It is a fast paced game and the colourful images on the cards help to spark the imagination and guide players through their story. It is excellent for younger players, helping encourage creative and imagine thinking while having lots of fun.
As for the gameplay, it’s accessible enough for children to join in, yet it offers enough depth for adults to feel challenged. The rules are straightforward, but the possibilities are as vast as Santa’s list. Whether you’re crafting a tale of reindeer shenanigans or a poignant story of holiday miracles, “Once Upon a Christmas” accommodates all kinds of narratives. And there is no time limit on the stories, make them as long as you want using what you see on the cards combined with your limitless imagination.
Once Upon a Christmas is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of storytelling, family bonding and the Christmas spirit. It’s a reminder that the stories we tell and the memories we create are the true gifts of the season. So gather your loved ones, draw a card, and let the stories unfold. Who knows? You might just start a new tradition that will be cherished for generations to come.
Happy storytelling, and Merry Christmas!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £8.99 (currently £3.99)
For more information, visit www.xmasboardgames.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.