How to Play the Human Christmas Tree Challenge
Bored of the same old holiday games? Let’s be honest, musical chairs in Santa hats isn’t cutting it anymore.
The Human Christmas Tree Challenge turns dull parties into epic memories, one awkward ornament at a time.
In a nutshell, one teammate becomes a human evergreen, and the others frantically decorate before time’s up.
Chaos?
Yes.
Side-splitting laughter?
Absolutely.
(Because let’s be honest, wrapping tinsel around a moving person is trickier than it sounds!)
How to Play the Human Christmas Tree Challenge
The Goal (aka “Operation Tinsel Takeover”)
Transform a willing team member into a walking, talking Christmas tree. Teams go head-to-head to create the most eye-catching human decoration display (No pressure, right?).
How to Play:
- Split the Squad: Do a quick headcount and divide everyone into 2-3 equal teams. (Like picking dodgeball teams, but way less traumatic)
- Find Your Star: Each team needs to pick their volunteer “human tree.” (Pro tip: Maybe skip asking the person wearing the $500 cashmere sweater)
- Set the Stage: Give each team their own decoration zone – you’ll want enough space for some serious festive maneuvering
- Fair Share: Hand out decorating supplies equally (Nobody likes a tinsel hoarder)
- Here’s where it gets crazy: You. Can’t. Talk. Nope. Not to your teammates. Hand gestures. Sign language. Grunting. Whatever. But, no talking.
- Crowd Control: Get spectators positioned for maximum “oohs” and “aahs” – they’re your judging panel! (Plot twist: They’re also entertainment critics now)
Heads Up – Watch Out For:
- Not everyone’s dream is to become a human ornament (shocking, I know). Not volun-telling people to be the human Christmas tree.
- Secure those decorations like you’re prepping for a Christmas carnival
- Keep an eye out for any decoration mishaps (CSI: Christmas Special Edition)
- Smaller venues might feel like decorating in an elevator
- Time management is key – unless you want half-decorated human trees running around
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How to Win Human Christmas Tree Challenge
All I’m saying is, winning the Human Christmas Tree Challenge needs creativity, solid teamwork, and getting the crowd on your side!
(Think “America’s Got Talent” meets holiday decorating.)
- You’ll want to mix unique materials with classic decorations to make your human tree pop.
- And you should probably set up some clear hand signals with your team – it’ll help you coordinate like ninjas when placing those ornaments under pressure.
- Secure those decorations properly. Nobody wants a bauble catastrophe mid-performance!
- Pick a theme that makes everything flow together visually (kinda like how Marvel connects all their movies, but with tinsel).
If we’re being real here, getting the audience involved is super important.
Their excitement can totally sway the judges. When you get people cheering and clapping along, you’re not just decorating – you’re putting on a show!
(And who doesn’t love a good show?)
This game is perfect for large groups of people – especially large groups of people who don’t mind laughing at themselves…and each other. Kinda like my family, lol.
Things to Remember When Playing Human Christmas Tree Challenge
Several key things will make your Human Christmas Tree Challenge awesome (and help you avoid a tinsel catastrophe).
- Your team needs to decorate without talking – which, let’s just say, creates some pretty entertaining moments.
- Keep your eyes on that one-minute countdown like you’re defusing a holiday bomb.
- HEADS UP! A loud, enthusiastic crowd makes everything better – their cheers will pump you up, and you’ll need those applause levels when it’s time to crown the winning tree.
Figure out how to get your audience involved early.
Human Christmas Tree Adaptations
Age-Specific Adaptations
For the kiddos: Position them at the tree base with simple decorating tasks. (Think “Mission: Possible – Holiday Edition”)
For mixed groups: Distribute roles based on ability:
- Adults: Stability positions
- Teens: Mid-level decorating
- Kids: Base level fun
For adult groups: Spice things up with:
- Timed rounds
- Complex formations
- Themed decoration challenges
Done with tinsel and trees but craving more festive fun? I’ve got you covered. Check out 11 Candy Cane Games and Winter Minute to Win It Games for challenges so fun, even your grumpy uncle might join in. Spoiler alert: candy canes aren’t just for eating.
At a Glance Guide for the Game Human Christmas Tree Challenge
| Game Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Players Needed | Minimum 6 (2 teams of 3: 1 human tree + 2 decorators per team) |
| Object of Game | Teams race to decorate a teammate as a Christmas tree without speaking |
| Time Required | 5-10 minutes (including setup and judging) |
| Best For | Office parties, youth groups, family gatherings, classroom activities |
| Target Audience | People who enjoy creative team activities and holiday-themed games |
You’ll Like These Games If You Liked Playing Human Christmas Tree Challenge
Looking for more fun holiday games after the Human Christmas Tree Challenge? (Get ready for some serious festive shenanigans!)
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Gift Wrap Relay | Teams compete to turn one player into a wrapped present. Think “Project Runway: North Pole Edition” with extra tape and giggles. |
| Holiday Charades | Players act out festive scenes without speaking. Watching someone mime “stuck in the chimney” is pure comedy gold. |
| Snowman Building Contest | Groups work together to build snowmen using provided materials. Pro tip: negotiate carrot-nose rights to avoid drama. |
| Holiday Bingo | A laid-back option with holiday-themed Bingo cards. Nothing beats shouting “BINGO!” in an ugly sweater. |
| Secret Santa Exchange | A fun way to spread joy and keep the community vibe strong. Set a price limit to avoid awkward “someone-bought-a-yacht” moments. |