Biblical Left Right Christmas Game: 5 Free Printable Stories
Our Christmas gathering is one of my favorite nights of the whole year, and the gift passing game is the part they ask for again every December.
The left right Christmas game is simple enough to explain in one sentence. Everyone sits in a circle holding a wrapped gift, someone reads a story out loud, and the gifts pass left or right every time those words come up. When the story ends, you keep what you are holding.
Nobody has to be clever. Nobody gets called on. Nobody stands up in front of the room. Within about ninety seconds the whole circle is laughing at itself.
The Biblical version adds one more layer. Instead of a generic Santa story, the words are woven through the Nativity along with Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, and Abraham. Your group hears scripture while they play, and you never have to make it a teaching moment because it already is one.
Below you’ll find the full how-to and five free stories you can print tonight. If your group loves it, there’s a Thanksgiving left right game waiting for you in November. You don’t have to do this the hard way to do it well.
How Do You Play the Left Right Christmas Game?
The left right Christmas game is a gift exchange where everyone sits in a circle holding a wrapped gift while one person reads a story out loud. Every time the reader says “left,” the gifts pass to the left. Every time she says “right,” they pass to the right. When the story ends, you keep the gift in your hands. It takes 10 to 15 minutes and works with 8 women or 80.
How to Play the Left Right Christmas Game: 8 Steps
What you’ll need: one wrapped gift per person, a printed story, chairs in a circle, and one person willing to read out loud.
Time required: about 20 minutes to prepare, 10 to 15 minutes to play.
How to run a Biblical Left Right Christmas gift exchange at your women’s ministry gathering, using one of five free printable Bible-based stories.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Choose your gift style before you send the invite
Decide whether your group is bringing real gifts, white elephant gifts, ornaments, or king-sized candy bars. Pick one and tell everyone the same thing so no one shows up with the wrong kind of gift. The gift style sets the tone for the whole night. A white elephant round plays funny and loose, while a real gift round plays warm and sentimental.
Set a dollar limit and put it in writing
Choose a number your whole group can manage comfortably, then include it in every reminder you send. Ten or fifteen dollars works well for most women’s ministry groups. A clear limit protects the women who are stretching to participate, and it keeps the gifts close enough in value that the passing feels fair.
Ask each guest to bring one wrapped gift
Tell them the gift needs to be wrapped, not in a gift bag. Ask them not to put a name tag on it. Wrapped gifts pass hand to hand without spilling, and unlabeled gifts keep anyone from steering a particular present toward a particular person.
Pick your left right story
Choose one of the five free stories below based on how long you want the game to run and which Bible passages fit your evening. Each one takes about three to five minutes to read. The story is the engine of the game, and one with the words scattered unevenly creates the surprise turns that make people laugh.
Print the story and read it through once by yourself
Read it out loud at home before the party. Mark every left and right with a highlighter so you catch them at speed. The game falls flat when the reader stumbles, and two minutes of practice is the difference between a good round and a great one.
Seat everyone in a circle
Arrange chairs so every person can reach the woman on either side of her without standing up. If your group is larger than about 30, make two circles and read to both at once. A broken circle stops the gifts from traveling, and a circle wider than arm’s reach turns a fast game into a slow one.
Hand out the gifts and explain the rule once
Give every person one wrapped gift, spreading them evenly around the circle. Say the rule out loud: left means pass left, right means pass right, and when the story ends you keep what you are holding. Explaining it once, clearly, before you start keeps you from stopping mid story to answer questions.
Read the story out loud, then let everyone open at the same time
Read at a steady pace, a little faster than normal conversation. When you reach the last line, have the whole circle open their gifts together. Opening at the same time keeps the energy up and gives everyone the same moment instead of a slow reveal one person at a time.
Ways to Change Up the Game
If you’re looking to switch things up with the Left Right Across Christmas Game Printable, there are several variations you can try.
You may want to do something a little different than ‘serious’ gifts. Here are a few simple game ideas to change things up in a fun way:
- White Elephant Game Gift Exchange Version: Instead of buying a new gift, have everyone bring a wrapped white elephant gift. These could be joke gifts or simply currently unused items from the home. Play the game as usual and have the participants pass gifts. However, when the story ends, everyone opens the gift they’re holding. Then, players can choose to keep their gift or swap it with someone else’s.
- Ornament Exchange Version: Instead of passing around wrapped gifts, have everyone bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to the party. Play the game as usual, but when the story ends, everyone opens the ornament they’re holding and can choose to keep it or swap it with someone else’s.
- Candy Bars Exchange Version: Instead of passing around wrapped gifts, have everyone bring a wrapped king-sized candy bar. Play the game as usual, but at the end of the story, everyone opens the candy bar they’re holding and can choose to keep it or swap it with someone else’s.
- Two-Story Version: Play a short round with candy bars first to teach the rule, then play a second round with the real gifts. New members relax a lot once they have already played once.
No matter which version you choose, they’ll all offer a fun gift exchange game for the ladies in your group.
Find the Perfect Christmas Story for Your Ministry Party
Our Christmas gathering is one of my favorite gatherings of the whole year. Christmas parties are a great way to bring everyone in the group together and celebrate the holiday season.
We have met at restaurants and in people’s homes for our holiday party. Either place works well. Just make sure you have plenty of room for everyone. One of our favorite restaurants has a large back room we reserve. They have the tables set up for us in a ‘U’ shape so we can sit around and still see everyone. We eat dinner, talk, and laugh…a lot.
Then, we’ll have a short devotional or message and often make a craft such as a DIY Fabric Christmas Ornament. After that, we play some type of present exchange game. It seems that a gift passing game is the favorite of the majority, and I can totally understand why.
A Christmas left right game is so much fun. You get lots of laughter and silliness as you watch everyone try to think fast enough to pass their gifts whichever direction is called. It’s just really a fun time.
Whichever version you play, the story is what makes it work. Here are five you can print right now.
5 Free Biblical Left Right Christmas Stories to Print
1. A Biblical Left Right Christmas Story
Once upon a time, in a humble village, a group of friends and neighbors gathered for a special Christmas celebration. This year, they decided to add a unique twist to their gift exchange by incorporating biblical stories into the festivities.
As the evening began, everyone sat in a circle, each holding a beautifully wrapped gift. The host of the evening, Sarah, explained the rules of the game. “Listen closely,” she said, “whenever you hear the word ‘LEFT’ in the story, pass your gift to the person on your left. And when you hear the word ‘RIGHT,’ pass it to the person on your right. Let’s begin!”
With eager anticipation, the guests settled in, and Sarah began the story:
“In the city of Bethlehem, a bright star shone in the sky, leading three wise men from the EAST to the humble stable where Jesus was born. They came bearing gifts – GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH. Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, watched over them with love and care. LEFT with a feeling of awe, the shepherds who had been tending their sheep all night journeyed to the stable as well. They had heard the angels’ glorious song, guiding them to the newborn king.
Mary held baby Jesus in her arms, her heart filled with love for her son, the SAVIOR of the world. RIGHT then and there, in that simple stable, a profound miracle took place. Angels rejoiced ABOVE, spreading the good news to all who would hear. LEFT in wonderment, the people who heard the shepherds’ story marveled at the humble beginning of this great king.”
As the story continued, gifts were passed from LEFT to RIGHT and RIGHT to LEFT, just as the words dictated. Laughter filled the room as gifts crisscrossed the circle, and each person’s hands were busy receiving and giving.
“As Jesus grew, he became known for his wisdom and teachings. He encouraged his disciples to be the LIGHT of the world, shining brightly in the darkness. He performed miracles, turning water into wine, feeding the hungry with just a few loaves and fish, and even calming the storm at SEA. People gathered from the LEFT and the RIGHT to listen to his parables and lessons.
One day, as Jesus walked along the shore of the SEA of Galilee, he saw fishermen casting their nets into the water. ‘Come, follow me,’ he said to them, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately, they LEFT their nets and followed him, knowing he was the true path to salvation.”
The story weaved its way through the lives of biblical figures, from LEFT to RIGHT and RIGHT to LEFT, just as the gifts moved among the participants. With each passing moment, the room was filled with joy and camaraderie, as the participants continued to exchange gifts and relish the story’s twists and turns.
Finally, as the story drew to a close, Sarah said, “And so, as we gather here to celebrate Christmas, let us remember the messages of love, hope, and salvation that these biblical stories convey. May we be inspired to share these gifts with those on our LEFT and RIGHT, spreading joy and kindness throughout the world.”
The participants exchanged their final gifts, each person holding a treasure chosen with care. As the evening came to an end, the true spirit of Christmas had been experienced – a celebration of giving, sharing, and connecting through the timeless stories of faith. And in that small village, the tradition of the LEFT RIGHT Christmas gift exchange continued to be a cherished reminder of the greatest gift of all – the gift of love.
Print a copy of this Christmas party game HERE (when you click the link, the file will automatically download to your default Downloads folder).
2. The Left Right Journey to Bethlehem
In a distant land, a group of friends and family gathered for a special Christmas celebration filled with wonder and faith. This year’s festivities included a unique LEFT RIGHT gift exchange, intertwined with biblical tales, adding a touch of enchantment to the holiday joy.
Amidst the flickering candles and cozy atmosphere, Rachel, the host of the evening, announced the game rules. “Listen closely,” she said with a smile, “whenever you hear ‘LEFT,’ pass your gift to the left, and when you hear ‘RIGHT,’ pass it to the right. Let’s begin!”
With eager anticipation, the guests settled in, clutching their festively wrapped presents. Rachel began the story:
“In the times of old, when the world was new, a righteous man named Noah was chosen by God to build an ark. God saw the wickedness of the world and told Noah to gather two of every kind of animal, from the LEFT and RIGHT, to ensure their survival in the great FLOOD that was to come. Noah and his family worked tirelessly, following God’s command, and when the rain came pouring DOWN, they were safe and sound in the ark.”
The guests exchanged gifts as the story unfolded, their hands moving LEFT and RIGHT, mimicking the journey of Noah’s ark.
“After the FLOOD, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham and his wife Sarah, who were very old, were blessed with a son named Isaac. LEFT in amazement by this miracle, they knew that God’s promises would always come to fruition.
As generations passed, a young shepherd named David arose from humble beginnings. He was anointed as king, chosen by God Himself. With God’s guidance, David used a single stone from the brook to defeat the giant Goliath, proving that even the mightiest can fall when God is by our RIGHT side.”
The room was filled with anticipation and laughter as gifts were exchanged, moving LEFT and RIGHT among the guests.
“Many years later, a star shone brightly in the sky, guiding three wise men from the EAST to the birthplace of Jesus, the newborn king. They brought gifts of GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH, honoring the divine presence that had come DOWN to earth. LEFT in awe, they worshiped the Savior who would bring salvation to all.
Mary and Joseph, following God’s call, embarked on a long journey to Bethlehem. The road was winding and filled with challenges, but they knew they were being guided by a Higher Power. Arriving in Bethlehem, they found shelter in a stable. RIGHT there, in the humblest of settings, Jesus was born, bringing LIGHT and hope to the world.”
As the story concluded, gifts had traveled from LEFT to RIGHT and RIGHT to LEFT, connecting the participants in a circle of shared faith and joy.
“In this season of giving, may we remember the stories of faith, courage, and promise that have shaped our beliefs,” Rachel said. “May the gifts we exchange remind us of the greatest gift ever given – the birth of Jesus, our Savior.”
With hearts full of gratitude and the warmth of the Christmas spirit, the guests held their final presents, tokens of their shared journey through biblical tales, a LEFT RIGHT gift exchange that had brought them closer to each other and the heart of Christmas.
Print a copy of this fun Christmas gift exchange game HERE (when you click the link, the file will automatically download to your default Downloads folder).
3. The Left Right Star of Bethlehem
Gathered around the fireplace, friends and family came together for a unique Christmas celebration. This year’s festivities featured a LEFT RIGHT gift exchange intertwined with biblical stories, creating an atmosphere of wonder and reflection.
David, the host of the evening, explained the rules. “Listen closely,” he began, “when you hear ‘LEFT,’ pass your gift to the left, and when you hear ‘RIGHT,’ pass it to the right. Let’s embark on this special journey together!”
With eager eyes, the guests held their beautifully wrapped presents, ready to follow the LEFT RIGHT tale that was about to unfold.
“Long ago, in the land of Egypt, a young boy named Joseph was LEFT with a coat of many colors by his father Jacob. RIGHT from the beginning, his brothers were jealous of the favor shown to him. They sold him into slavery, and Joseph ended up in Egypt, where he faced many trials. But through his unwavering faith, he interpreted dreams and ultimately became a trusted advisor to the Pharaoh.”
As the story progressed, gifts traveled LEFT and RIGHT, echoing the twists and turns of Joseph’s life.
“Generations later, another baby was born under extraordinary circumstances. Moses was placed in a basket and set adrift on the Nile River by his mother, fearing for his safety. But RIGHT when he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter, his life took a new course. Moses was chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery in Egypt, parting the Red Sea to create a path to freedom.”
Amid laughter and the sound of gifts being exchanged, the participants continued to pass their presents LEFT and RIGHT.
“After years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. LEFT with the task of leading them, Joshua succeeded Moses and brought them to victory in battles that defied all odds. The walls of Jericho fell RIGHT before their eyes, a testament to their faith in God’s power.”
The room was filled with a sense of unity and excitement as gifts continued to travel LEFT and RIGHT.
“Centuries passed, and the world awaited the arrival of a special star. A star that would shine brilliantly in the night sky, guiding wise men from the EAST to the birthplace of Jesus. They brought gifts of GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH to honor the newborn King. LEFT in awe of this miraculous event, they recognized that a divine presence had entered the world.”
The story concluded, and the guests exchanged their final gifts, each one carrying the essence of the story’s journey through time and faith.
“As we gather to celebrate Christmas, may we be reminded of the lessons of perseverance, courage, and the divine plan that has shaped history,” David shared. “May the gifts we exchange today symbolize the love, hope, and unity that this season brings.”
With hearts aglow, the participants held their last presents, grateful for the LEFT RIGHT journey through biblical tales that had deepened their appreciation for the Christmas story and the bonds they shared.
Print a copy of this fun Christmas gift exchange game HERE (when you click the link, the file will automatically download to your default Downloads folder).
4. The Left Right Gifts of the Magi
Amidst the twinkling lights and festive decorations, a group of friends and family gathered for a Christmas celebration like no other. This year, they added a creative twist to their gift exchange by weaving biblical stories into the festivities, using a LEFT RIGHT format.
Emily, the host of the evening, explained the rules. “Listen carefully,” she began, “when you hear ‘LEFT,’ pass your gift to the left, and when you hear ‘RIGHT,’ pass it to the right. Let’s embark on this unique journey together!”
Eager smiles lit up the room as the guests held their presents, ready to participate in the LEFT RIGHT story.
“Once upon a time, in a land of ancient kings and prophetic dreams, there were three wise men from the EAST. Guided by a brilliant star, they embarked on a journey to honor the newborn king, Jesus. Bearing gifts of GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, and MYRRH, they LEFT their homes to find the Savior of the world.”
With each mention of LEFT and RIGHT, gifts were passed around the circle, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
“The wise men followed the star’s radiant light RIGHT to Bethlehem, where they found the humble stable where Jesus was born. They presented their gifts to the newborn King, paying homage to the divine presence that had come DOWN to earth. LEFT with a deep sense of awe, they returned to their homeland, forever changed by the encounter.”
Amid laughter and camaraderie, gifts continued to travel LEFT and RIGHT, symbolizing the journey of the wise men.
“Years later, a young boy named David, armed with only a sling and a stone, faced the mighty giant Goliath. Goliath taunted the Israelites, but David’s faith and courage never wavered. With a single well-aimed stone, he struck the giant RIGHT in the forehead, toppling him to the ground. LEFT in disbelief, the Philistine army fled, and David’s victory echoed through history.”
As the story reached its conclusion, the participants exchanged their final gifts, each one holding a piece of the story they had shared.
“In the spirit of this season, may these stories of faith and courage inspire us to carry the message of love and hope,” Emily said. “May the gifts we exchange be a reminder of the greatest gift of all – the birth of Jesus, our Savior.”
With hearts full of warmth and the joy of shared storytelling, the participants held their last gifts, united by the LEFT RIGHT narrative that had brought the Christmas message to life.
Print a copy of this fun Christmas gift exchange game HERE (when you click the link, the file will automatically download to your default Downloads folder).
5. The Left Right Journey of Faith
In a cozy living room adorned with holiday decorations, friends and loved ones gathered for a Christmas celebration filled with tradition and meaning. This year’s festivities featured a special LEFT RIGHT gift exchange, interwoven with biblical stories, creating a unique and engaging experience.
Alex, the evening’s host, explained the rules. “Listen closely,” he said, “whenever you hear ‘LEFT,’ pass your gift to the left, and when you hear ‘RIGHT,’ pass it to the right. Let’s begin this journey of faith and giving!”
Excitement filled the air as participants held their beautifully wrapped presents, ready to join the LEFT RIGHT narrative.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He formed Adam from the dust of the ground, breathing life into him. LEFT with the responsibility of caring for God’s creation, Adam and Eve lived in harmony in the Garden of Eden. However, temptation led them astray, and they were RIGHTLY cast out of the garden.”
With each mention of LEFT and RIGHT, gifts moved around the circle, fostering a sense of anticipation and connection.
“As generations passed, a man named Abraham heard the voice of God calling him to a new land. He LEFT his home and journeyed with his wife Sarah to a place of promise. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. RIGHT then and there, the foundation of a great nation was laid.”
Gifts continued to exchange hands, following the LEFT RIGHT pattern and drawing the participants further into the narrative.
“Fast forward to a night in Bethlehem, where a humble stable became the birthplace of Jesus. Angels announced the good news to shepherds watching their flocks in the fields. The shepherds LEFT their sheep and hastened to see the newborn Savior, lying in a manger. RIGHT there, in that moment, they experienced the awe-inspiring presence of God.”
With the story drawing to a close, the participants exchanged their final gifts, each one carrying a piece of the shared journey through biblical tales.
“As we exchange gifts tonight, may we remember the stories of faith, redemption, and divine love that have shaped our beliefs,” Alex shared. “May the gifts we give and receive be a reflection of the ultimate gift – the gift of Jesus Christ.”
With hearts touched by the spirit of the season, the participants held their last presents, grateful for the LEFT RIGHT journey that had deepened their understanding of the Christmas message and brought them closer together.
Print a copy of this fun Christmas gift exchange game HERE (when you click the link, the file will automatically download to your default Downloads folder).
Creating Christmas Traditions in Your Women’s Ministry
Traditions do something a one-off event cannot. They give the women in your group a reason to come back, and they give newer members a way in.
The left right game is an easy one to make a tradition because it costs almost nothing and it works no matter who shows up. Play it three years in a row and it stops being an activity. It becomes the thing your group does.
Choosing one repeatable activity is a small piece of the Purpose to Plan Path™, the way I walk leaders from an empty calendar to a finished event.
Another idea is to host a holiday gathering where everyone brings a favorite Christmas dish to share. This can be a potluck-style event or a more formal sit-down dinner. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy good food and fellowship with one another.
If you’re looking to create a more meaningful tradition, consider doing a service project together. This could be anything from volunteering at a local soup kitchen to sponsoring a family in need for the holidays. Not only will you be making a difference in the lives of others, but you’ll also be strengthening your bond as a group.
Whatever tradition you choose to create, make sure it’s something that everyone can participate in and enjoy. The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, and creating traditions with your women’s ministry or Bible study group is a great way to celebrate this special time of year.
Wrapping Up
After leading women’s ministry since 2006 and building retreat resources since 2012, here’s what I keep coming back to: the activities that work are almost never the elaborate ones.
The left right Christmas game asks nothing of your guests except that they show up with a wrapped gift and listen. No preparation, no performing, no one left out. That’s why it keeps earning its spot on the program.
Print a story, pull the chairs into a circle, and let the room do the rest. You can lead something meaningful without burning yourself out.
More Christmas posts for your ministry:
41 Christmas Fellowship Ideas for Women’s Ministry
FREE Printable Christmas Gift Tags
Stress-Free Christmas Activities for Women’s Ministry
Christmas Scripture Scavenger Hunts for Women’s Ministry
Printable Bible Based Christmas Scattergories
Fun Thanksgiving Left-Right Game for Women’s Ministry
Questions Leaders Ask about the Left Right Christmas Game
What is the left right Christmas game?
It’s a gift exchange built around a story. Everyone sits in a circle holding a wrapped gift, one person reads aloud, and every time the word left comes up the gifts move left. Every time right comes up, they move right. Whatever you’re holding when the story ends is yours to keep.
How many people do you need to play the left right Christmas game?
Eight is a comfortable minimum and there is no real maximum. I’ve run this with 12 women in a living room and with a full fellowship hall. Once you get past about 30, split into two circles and read the story to both at the same time so the gifts keep moving quickly instead of crawling around one giant ring.
How long does the left right Christmas game take?
Plan on 10 to 15 minutes from the first line of the story to the last gift opened. Each of the five stories on this page reads in about three to five minutes. If you want the game to fill more of your program, play two rounds with different stories rather than stretching one out.
Do you have to buy gifts to play?
No, and some of the best rounds I’ve run had no purchased gifts at all. King-sized candy bars work beautifully and keep the cost under a few dollars per person. Ornaments, homemade gifts, and white elephant items from around the house all play just as well. Pick one style and tell everyone the same thing.
What happens if someone ends up with the gift she brought?
It happens, and it is not worth engineering around. Ask the two or three women in that spot to trade with each other after the opening and the whole thing resolves in about fifteen seconds. Asking people not to label their gifts up front makes it far less likely in the first place.
Is the left right game a good fit for a church or women’s ministry group?
It’s one of the best fits I’ve found, and I’ve been leading women’s ministry since 2006. Nobody has to perform, nobody gets called out in front of the room, and nobody needs to be quick or clever to enjoy it. Women who walked in nervous are usually laughing within two minutes.
How do you keep the game from feeling awkward when the group doesn’t know each other well?
Play a short practice round with candy bars before the real one. It teaches the rule, it gets the first laugh out of the way, and it means no one is learning the game while a real gift is in her hands. In a group with new members, that practice round does more for the room than any icebreaker I’ve tried.
Where can I get a free Bible-based left right Christmas story?
All five stories on this page are free to print, with no sign-up required. They weave the words left and right through the Nativity along with Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, and Abraham, so your group hears scripture while they play.
Connect with Christ this Christmas
The Connect with Christ bundle is 40+ pages built to help you focus on Jesus through a season that pulls in every other direction. Activities for reflection, lists that keep the planning from piling up, and family activities so the people around your table are part of it too.
It’s $19, delivered instantly, and it’s yours to print as many times as you need.
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