Zach and I hosted an Ugly (aka really festive) Christmas Sweater party this year where everyone came ready to play some 60-second Minute to Win It games.
Upon arrival, everyone was given a score card with the location of the games on it. We had to spread the games all throughout the house when we realized almost 30 people were coming!
It was a very casual evening where appetizers and soup were ready for dinner when you wanted to take a break from playing games.
For the first portion of the night, we had five individual games set up throughout the house - the three 'living room' games were group games.
The Snowball Toss was located in the office. You can also see the 'photo booth' area behind the sign.
The goal was to throw the marshmallows, one at a time, through the wreath and land at least 10 in the bucket within 60 seconds.
And what happens if you don't have a bucket full of marshmallows to show off? Just look as cute as Caryn by poking your head through the wreath!
The Christmas Nutstacker game was loads of fun too!
The individual games were really fun and a great start to our party. It allowed everyone to hang out, mingle, and even show off their competitive side. However, the group games (and by group, I mean, they were played in front of everyone) were a big hit. I had picked out and saved three games I thought would be the funniest to watch.
Upon arrival, everyone was given a score card with the location of the games on it. We had to spread the games all throughout the house when we realized almost 30 people were coming!
It was a very casual evening where appetizers and soup were ready for dinner when you wanted to take a break from playing games.
For the first portion of the night, we had five individual games set up throughout the house - the three 'living room' games were group games.
The Snowball Toss was located in the office. You can also see the 'photo booth' area behind the sign.
The goal was to throw the marshmallows, one at a time, through the wreath and land at least 10 in the bucket within 60 seconds.
Garrett did it!!
And what happens if you don't have a bucket full of marshmallows to show off? Just look as cute as Caryn by poking your head through the wreath!
The Christmas Nutstacker game was loads of fun too!
The premise of this game was to load your candy cane with the 8 nuts and then stack them on top of each other - one at a time.
In the same room, on the bed, was located 'Do You Hear What I Hear'?
In this challenge, the Christmas tradition of shaking presents to figure out what's inside was turned into a 60-second game. Using the lift, rattle, and listen method, you must arrange 7 gift boxes filled with different quantities of jingle bells in ascending order from 5 bells to 35 bells - and then note your guess of the order on your score card.
The fourth individual game was called 'Christmas Ball' and was located in the other guest bedroom. Zach moved the furniture around so that we could maximize the space.
This game was surprisingly one of the most challenging games of the night. The premise is to fan an ornament using a wrapped gift box into a select area. From what I heard, only a few were able to do it!
And as you can see above, here's our pretty wrapped gift box at the end of the night.
And the last game... oh boy was this one fun. I choose to place 'Oh Christmas Tree' in the dining room for two reasons - 1. I needed another space and 2. If you failed and the cups came crashing down, everyone would know! How thoughtful of me.
It was certainly fun to watch!
And here are some pictures of those who took the challenge!
p.s. heres' the difference between using a flash and not using a flash. In the picture above, Rachel appears to be calmly placing the cups when in reality this is what she really looked like... Go Rachel, Go!
And here's Merlin bringing the cups down for a victory!
The skills - not to mention the outfits - of every person that came were so impressive! We have some competitive friends!
The individual games were really fun and a great start to our party. It allowed everyone to hang out, mingle, and even show off their competitive side. However, the group games (and by group, I mean, they were played in front of everyone) were a big hit. I had picked out and saved three games I thought would be the funniest to watch.
To see the group games, click here!
UPDATE: If you're looking for the templates I used for this event, you can access them here.
The fonts used are 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com -- this is one of my favorite fonts!
xoxo, Callie
awsome a party i would love to be invited to great job!!
ReplyDeleteYou would always be welcome!
DeleteI clicked on the link and the Snowball Toss and the Do You Hear What I Hear games are jumbled together. Help!
DeleteHmm... let's see! You're right -- when you click on the link and 'Preview' the document, they do appear to be jumbled. However, it should correct itself once downloaded (or at least on my computer it did)! Feel free to send me an email and I will respond with correct templates.
DeleteMy email address is CallieBMiller@gmail.com
DeleteSo cute! Where did you get the signs from? I love them!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! You're so kind! I made them -- if you need the template, let me know and I'm happy to share!
DeleteI would love to have your templates! Your party looks very fun and extremely put together!
DeleteHi i would like it the Template to please and thank you!
DeleteThis is such a great set of activities for a game. I would love the templates.
DeleteThanks,
Patti
Hi ladies! You can access the templates by going to this link:
Deletehttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7
Also, the fonts I used are 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com at this link: http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font
Could I get this template as well?
ReplyDeleteYes, of course! You can access the templates by going to this link:
Deletehttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7
Also, the fonts I used are 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com at this link: http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font
Can I get the template too?
ReplyDeleteHi Callie! What great ideas!! I teach and would LOVE to incorporate some of these games into our Christmas party! May I please have the templates also? Thank you so much! My email is theneills350@yahoo.com. The kiddos will LOVE these! :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I would love to get the template for this stuff also! How fun!! :) We're having a Christmas Party for our ladies' small group on the 16th and would love to incorporate these games!! My email is dmcovert06@gmail.com. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI would also live to have the template for the signs. mfritz80@hotmail.com. Our family secret santa pj exchange is tonight. Would love to play! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
DeleteAmazing Party! Would love the templates. Thank you
ReplyDeletethebaileybunch@cox.net
Love! I'd love the template too!! cpetruncola@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI would love a template! Thanks alexis123085@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLOVE!!!!! Your party sounds like there was fun to be had by all!!!! I am planning an employee christmas party for this weekend and would love to have the templates you used. My e-mail is kundaklan@msn.com
ReplyDeleteThanks! Merry Christmas!
If you're still giving out the template I would love it as well! Looks like a fun fun party! krista@churchofemmanuel.com
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
I would love the templates as well. krista@churchofemmanuel.com Looks like a fun party!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! If you're looking for the templates as seen above, try this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fonts I used are 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com at this link: http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font
xoxo Callie
How did you do the scoring portion?
ReplyDeleteHow did you do the scoring for these games? How did you ultimately decide the winner?
ReplyDeleteBefore the group games, I had everyone tally up the number of individual games they were able to complete within 60 seconds -- really, so that we would know how close were the scores! That's when I also announced the correct order for the 'Do you hear what I hear?' game. If we had individuals who were really close, we used the group games as a competition (i.e. in 'Jingle Bell Rock', who could get the highest number on their pedometer won). You can certainly use your discretion on scoring -- I just made it up :)
DeleteSpectacular! Looks like you have great friends and lots of fun. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular! Looks like you have lots of fun with great friends. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLove this....due to several family deaths over the past year, our family needs some new traditions. Please send me your template. Thanks
ReplyDeleteK Fargo
Absolutely happy to send them to you! What's your email address?
DeleteAlso, you can go to this link to download them if you'd like: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7
The fonts I used are 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com at this link: http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font . It's one of my favorites!
Thanks for the great ideas for my family Minute games this year! I am off to get a few sipplies for some of your games. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME... could I have the template for the games please :)
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely! The link to download is https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7
DeleteI used two different fonts (just in case it downloads to your computer different than the way it appears in the pictures). I used 'Cambria' and 'Blackjack'. You can download 'Blackjack' for free at dafont.com at this link: http://www.dafont.com/black-jack.font. Enjoy!
Love this!!!! Any ideas for the winner's prize?
ReplyDeleteHmm... I had just picked up prizes that I knew my friends would enjoy. If I recall correctly, one was a $5 or $10 Starbucks gift card (I asked Starbucks for an extra cup and lid, stuck the gift card inside, and tied a bow around it). You could also package up homemade cookies and Christmas goodies -- the guys would love it!
DeleteHow do I get the scroll ? I'm having this party on the 7th of Dec 2013
ReplyDeleteDo you need just the images? Happy to share! Can you email me at calliebmiller@gmail.com?
DeleteTHis is such a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!! Could you send the template for the invitation?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, such a fun idea!! Can you share the invitation as well?
ReplyDeleteWhat did you do with the scorecards? were there prizes?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I was looking for something fun for senior citizens.
ReplyDeleteLove these. I am doing a round up of my favorite pins of Christmas and would like to include yours if that is ok. I'd of course link back to you. Happy December.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely! How fun! Thanks :)
Deletehow far do you stand from the wreath and how far is the bucket sat to throw into
DeleteIF this is still available can the template please be forwarded to me because the information for the site is not coming up at all.... stacker.monique@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love this! Any way you could make the description templates PDFs? I have a Mac and when I downloaded your templates from dropbox they were all messed up. Thanks so much! My email is blair.donegan@att.net. Such a fun party idea! I can't wait to host my own!
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!! I found you through Pinterest. Could you send me the description templates as PDFs? I tried to download them from Dropbox but I am on a Mac and they messed up. My email is blair.donegan@att.net. Thanks so much! I can't wait to host my own party!
ReplyDeleteCould you send me the invitation template?
ReplyDeleteThank you for links to the documents you created! Awesome ideas!
ReplyDeleteI would just like to be on the guest list for your next party please.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your games and templates. It definitely came in handy for our holiday office party. Much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThese games are great and perfect for my daughter's holiday party. I cannot access the templates. Could you email them in a pdf version for me? alexastefan2@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteFor some reason these are not downloading correctly. The scroll part at the top is all screwy. ??
ReplyDeleteLove this! Totally using! :) When I downloaded "BlackJack" it's completely different form your BlackJack font...how odd! oh well :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative! I usually do the games at our holiday office party and I will certainly be incorporating some of these for our festivities this year. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour coworkers would love it! We had a great time!
DeleteWow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This looks awesome! Thanks for sharing with us :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, thanks for sharing. This is fab!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Let me know if you throw your own Minute to Win It party :)
DeleteWondering why when I print the templates the words are cut off and skewed. Could you please email them to me at momkoll@yahoo.com our family Christmas is Thanksgiving weeking
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! I just emailed you the files. If you have any trouble, let me know!
DeleteWe plan on doing these games this year! Thank you so much for sharing these :) Could I get the templates also? lindsey.meyer84@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey! I just emailed the files to you! Let me know if you have any trouble!
DeleteCallie can you email all of them including the invite to me? Your ideas are wonderful for all ages, I would like to use them next year when I am home with family again.
DeleteThanks,
Julie @ catinhat007@yahoo.com
So I have both the fonts installed on my mac but the download still comes through with different fonts. Can I just get the scroll? biscottimommy@yahoo.com Thanks Again!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Hi Michelle! I sent you an email a few moments ago. Let me know if you do not receive it! Have fun :)
Deletexo Callie
do you have a template for the invitation?
ReplyDeleteHi Kaylynn! I do have a copy of the invitation. I have added it to Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/m1g-8PaWw7) but if you have any trouble, feel free to email me at CallieBMiller@gmail.com.
DeleteHave fun!
xo Callie
do you have a template for the invitation
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this...I've been looking for some fun games for Christmas Eve and Day this year and these are the best I've found! I've downloaded the templates and I'm ready to go!! Just got to contain my excitement for another 24 days!! Lol!! I think Christmas is gonna be fun fun fun this year!!Thank you!! xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad you're excited! We really had the best time -- let me know how it goes!
Deletexo Callie
Thanks for sharing all your resources! Can't wait to try these at our open house!
DeleteDid you just give out prizes for who won each game? How did you determine the winner? We are hosting a party this weekend and these are perfect! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Amber! Oh, you'll have so much fun with this party! At the end of the night, the person that had won the most games received the biggest prize. As we were wrapping up, I read out the right order of boxes for 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' and we played the group games. The person who had the most marks in the 'Won' column was our winner for the night!
Deletexo Callie
I can't wait for the family party this year. These games will certainly be fun. When I printed from dropbox the pages didn't print correctly. Is there anyway you could email the files to me? damend@mthcs.org Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie! I just emailed you! Hoping that helps!
Deletexo Callie
Hi Callie, your ideas are incredible! We're having an xmas party tonight and I just grabbed all of the supplies to play these games. I was hoping to use your templates, but I need to change a few words here and there, like credenza to table.... I can't do that with the pdf and I have no idea how to convert it! Any way you could help? My email address is audreymshaw@live.com Thank you so so much!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a great party and that the templates worked for you!
DeleteOh, my! Not sure I could play the marshmallow one since I have a dog floating around! But we could probably alter it with some other object (I don't guess cotton balls would work?!) Ideas? We always play something like this White Elephant Game, but it's always good to have additional ideas, particularly for those who don't really want to participate.
ReplyDeleteHa! Your dog would LOVE you -- until he ate all of the marshmallows! What about using styrofoam balls from the craft store or golf balls?
Deletexo, Callie
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm having my coworkers over later this week for a party and we will definitely try these! Could I please get an email of the templates too? diaryinparadise@gmail.com. Thank you sooo much!
ReplyDeleteHi Mia! Just emailed you.
DeleteLove these games!! I was looking for ideas for our Christmas Party this weekend and these are fantastic. Can you explain how you did the last two games on your scorecard - Face the Gingerbread Man and Jingle Bell Rock? Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHi there! Have you seen 'Part 2' of the Minute to Win It Party? If not, review it here: http://zachandcallie.blogspot.com/2011/12/minute-to-win-it-christmas-party-part-2.html .
DeleteWhen scoring the games, for 'Face the Gingerbread Man', if the individual could accomplish wiggling the cookie into their mouth, they got a 'Win' on the scorecard. It was a pass/fail scoring. For 'Jingle Bell Rock', we had two people go at a time, and whoever jiggled out the most bells, 'won'! However, I did ask each participant to note how many bells they jiggled out so that if there was a tie, we could use that number to help determine the overall winner.
Hope that helps!! Let me know!
These games look awesome! I downloaded the templates and am going to use this for our youth Christmas party this weekend! Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas!
ReplyDeleteMay I receive all the templates too? Tks so much for sharing your creative ideas with a larger audience. It's a gift! email is ksv0718@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! I just emailed you the templates! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this. Need new traditions this year. Can you email me your templates please. Marshajones5@yahoo.com. thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha! Just emailed you!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing. I am game hostess at a company Christmas party tonight and I'm going to use these games. I really appreciate you downloading your templates and allowing me to use them. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great time! Enjoy!!
DeleteCould you email me a copy of the game direction signs? It would be a huge help for my Christmas party this year. My email is lexi.shoe@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you! Have fun!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCould you please email me the templates for part 1 and part 2? Loved all the games and they will be great for our party this weekend. Send to ablankinchip@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you, Angela!
DeleteHI ! Can I get a template as well? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Bridgettann! Yes, absolutely! Can you send me an email (CallieBMiller@gmail.com) or share your email address with me? Thanks!
DeleteThank you so much for sharing these templates and ideas. I was able to use them for a party last night and you saved me a ton of time, plus we all had a blast! THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! So glad you had fun! Thanks for letting me know!
DeleteCallie, Would you mind emailing me the templates for the games and the score cards? Super Cute! Thanks for sharing. krobertsfbg@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEmailing you now! Have fun!
DeleteHi! Thanks for sharing such fun games! Would you mind sending me the templates for the games and score cards? Tried the download and it didn't work out. Thanks!! scmehan@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you!
DeleteThis is awesome. Would love to have the templates as well. We are hosting a family Christmas dinner for 50 and this would be awesome to play. Thank you for sharing. getmykidsoffmsn@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWow, 50 people! What a great hostess you must be! Just emailed you the templates!
DeleteCallie, can you please send me all the templates in an editable version to thepierces@xplornet.com
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you! Enjoy!
DeleteCan you send me the games please. syoungthomas@cps.edu
ReplyDeleteJust emailed you! Have fun!
DeleteCan you please send me the templates also? I am having trouble downloading them. The message I am getting says "The required index.xml file is missing", not sure what that means.
ReplyDeletelumleys@alamoschool.org
Thanks!
Emailed you! Let me know if you continue to get the error message.
DeleteI am having a ugly swearer party tomorrow! Can you please send me an editable version? This looks like tons of fun for my whole family!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Just shoot me an email (calliebmiller@gmail.com) or provide your email address here!
DeleteS.tomlive2010@hotmail.com can I have an editable version sent! :)
ReplyDeleteEmailing you now! Have a great time!
DeleteCould you please email an editable version to me also (jtronoski@earthlink.net). These are so cute and going to do a lot of them for our class party at school tomorrow! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOn its way to you now! Have fun!
DeleteIf you could please send me an editable version too, I would so appreciate it! My e-mail address is sbgaforrest@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Emailed you! Have fun!
DeleteI think I fixed the problem with Dropbox! If you need the templates, try this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jw1zqz6sq6rnhqj/AADZ6J5RVCNvi0h2vS2-eQ4ca?dl=0 .
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't work, feel free to email me at CallieBMiller@gmail.com!
Let me know how your party goes! :)
Would you mind sending me an editable version too? jwurster@kw.com
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your help so much!! Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
Emailed you! Have a great time!
Deletewould be able to send me a editable version too? joditheis@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI think this is just what im looking for. for the staff party.
Just sent you an email!
DeleteCould you please send me the templates I tried the drop box but it came out wrong. Thank you in advance. goinriding@aol.com
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! I just sent you an email!
DeleteCould you please email me the templaye as well. We are playing tomorrow night. Thanks for the great idea! Amberproffitt4613@gmail.com
DeleteHi Amber! Just emailed you. Let me know if it works for you!
DeleteCould you send me the templates when you can - amyschaeffer@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Just emailed you!
DeleteThis is awesome idea! Could you send me the templates when you can arrowman1@centurytel.net please and thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! Sent you an email moments ago!
DeletePlease send templates to:kathi_woodall40@hotmail.com
DeleteThank you!
Can you send me the templates for all of the games?
DeleteI would be happy to! Send me an email at CallieBMiller@gmail.com or share your email address. Thanks!
DeleteHi Callie, what fun! We had a party like this a few years ago, but did not have your wonderful templates. We are wanting to have another party this year for our teenaged daughter's softball team. It would be much nicer if you would share your templates with us. Thank you.
ReplyDeletetephie2@gmail.com
Wow! what a wonderul post and amazing Christmas party!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteWould you mind sending me an editable version too?
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your help.
Teresa
Hi Teresa! I would be happy to share the templates with you. Would you shoot me an email at calliebmiller@gmail.com?
DeleteThanks!
This is awesome idea! Could you send me the templates when you can.... caila.mae.24@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
Sent!
DeleteCould you please email me the templates. Love your games and the directions. Thank you for taking the time to do this. My email address is devlyn3@ca.rr.com. I really appreciate it and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteDevra
Sent!
DeleteCould you send me the templates? Cant wait to try your ideas: paula_marlowe@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSent!
DeleteCould you please send me the templates too! seguenzer@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! Sarah
Headed your way! Merry Christmas!
DeleteHey Callie could you send me the templates as well! katejean332@yahoo.com Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteSent!
DeleteCould you kindly send me the templates for the games? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristy! Happy to send them to you! Just shoot me an email at calliebmiller@gmail.com or reply with your email address. Thanks!
DeleteI would love the templates in pdf form or emailed . Thanks so Much ! Paula
ReplyDeletep.murgos@rocketmail.com
Callie,
ReplyDeleteCould use please send templates in pdf form or to my email p.murgos@rocketmail.com
Thank you very much !
Paula
Sent!! Have fun!
DeleteWe did this last year and it went great! Thanks
ReplyDeleteCan you send me the editable templates please. Jpabonfam8@gmail.com
Sent!
DeletePlease send me the editable templates please
DeleteI think this is a awesome idea could you send email me the PDF's
ReplyDeleteI would be happy to send them to you! Would you mind emailing me at calliebmiller@gmail.com or providing me your email address?
DeleteI would love to have your templates.
ReplyDeleteShannonrbellar@gmail.com
Thanks!
Just sent them your way! Merry Christmas!
DeleteHi Callie,
ReplyDeleteJust love this. Can you please send to me at ericamisasi@att.net
Thank you,
Sent!
DeleteCould I get a copy of the templates too? debsfunacct@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Hi Callie,
ReplyDeleteI love your holiday enthusiasm. I am planning a Christmas party for my work staff and would love a copy of your templates for this. If you could, would you mind sending a copy to jennoates@yahoo.com?
Thanks so much!
Jennifer
Thank you,
ReplyDeleteDo you still have these? They are awesome! My email is andijune10@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to have a copy of the pdf templates are you still sharing?
ReplyDeleteMy email is wanda.rogers@lendlease.com Many thanks in advance
I would love your templates if you still have them! thank you!
ReplyDeletesarah.wolfgang@karauctionservices.com
Of course! Just emailed you both. Have fun!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWhat did you use to hang your wreath with? This looks like a great game for the grandkids!
Hi Jean! We used fishing line looped around the wreath and used a tack to attach it above the door frame. Have fun!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete