Christmas
Build a Christmas Tree
Also called Human Christmas Tree, Dress the Tree, Decorate a Teammate
Each team turns one volunteer into a Christmas tree using streamers, tinsel and paper ornaments against the clock.
- people
- 9–60
- time
- 10 min
- energy
- High
- materials
- Cheap to buy
Kids-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Split into teams of 3–6. Each team chooses one volunteer to be the tree and gets an identical bag of supplies.
- 1On “go”, teams have 5 minutes to decorate their tree.
- 2The tree stands still; only teammates may decorate.
- 3The star must end up on top — a hat, a headband or held up by the tree.
- 4At time, each tree poses and the crowd votes with cheers.
What to say3
- 1“Trees, stand tall and stay still — decorators, five minutes!”
- 2“One minute left — where's your star?”
- 3“Trees, give us your best pose! Let's hear it for team one!”
Host tips3
- Only ask for volunteers to be the tree. A reluctant tree being wrapped while people laugh is the one way this game goes wrong; at an office party, use the coat-rack version unless you know the room.
- Ban taping onto skin, hair and glasses before you say go. Teams in a hurry will tape anything.
- Equal supplies per team matter more than you think — one extra garland decides the vote.
Variants2
Office-safe
Decorate a coat rack, a chair or a mop instead of a person. No body contact and still very funny.
Blind decorator
One decorator is blindfolded and directed by voice by the rest of the team.
Safety2
- Keep crepe paper away from the face and neck; never wrap over the mouth or nose.
- Crepe paper dye can stain clothes when it gets wet — keep drinks away.
Good for
Occasions
ChristmasSchool
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hall