Christmas Taboo Game: Rules and 24 Word Cards

Christmas Taboo is a team word game where you describe a holiday word without saying the obvious clue words. You can make the cards in 10 minutes using the list below.

How to Set Up

1. Write each word from the list below at the top of an index card. Write the five forbidden words underneath.
2. Shuffle the cards and place them face down in a pile.
3. Split into two teams. Sit teams on opposite sides of the room.
4. Choose a timekeeper. Each turn lasts 60 seconds.

How to Play

1. One player from Team A is the clue-giver. They sit facing their team.
2. A member of Team B sits next to them and watches the card for forbidden words.
3. Start the timer. The clue-giver draws a card and describes the word at the top.
4. They cannot say the word, any part of it, or any forbidden word. No rhyming, spelling, gestures or sound effects.
5. Team A shouts guesses. When someone says the exact word, the clue-giver puts the card in the “won” pile and draws the next card.
6. If the clue-giver says a forbidden word, the Team B watcher shouts “Taboo!” and that card is thrown out.
7. If the clue-giver is stuck, they can say “pass” and draw the next card.
8. When time ends, count the won cards. Then Team B takes a turn.
9. Play until each person has been clue-giver once or twice.

Word Cards

Each line shows the target word, then the five forbidden words.

1. Snowman: snow, carrot, hat, melt, build
2. Reindeer: Rudolph, antlers, sleigh, Santa, nose
3. Stocking: hang, sock, fireplace, gifts, fill
4. Candy cane: red, striped, mint, hook, sweet
5. Wreath: door, circle, green, hang, holly
6. Sleigh: Santa, snow, ride, reindeer, bells
7. Gingerbread: house, man, cookie, spice, bake
8. Eggnog: drink, milk, egg, nutmeg, creamy
9. Mistletoe: kiss, plant, hang, under, door
10. Ornament: tree, ball, hang, shiny, glass
11. Nutcracker: ballet, wooden, soldier, nuts, crack
12. Fireplace: fire, logs, warm, chimney, hearth
13. Present: wrap, gift, box, bow, open
14. Chimney: Santa, roof, smoke, brick, down
15. Carol: sing, song, door, neighbors, music
16. Elf: Santa, workshop, pointy, small, toys
17. Snowflake: winter, cold, flake, falling, six
18. Tinsel: shiny, tree, silver, strands, decoration
19. Hot chocolate: drink, cocoa, marshmallow, warm, mug
20. Wrapping paper: gift, tape, roll, wrap, present
21. North Pole: Santa, cold, ice, far, north
22. Sled: snow, hill, slide, ride, winter
23. Fruitcake: dried, loaf, cake, joke, fruit
24. Christmas tree: pine, lights, ornament, decorate, star

Scoring and Winning

Each correct guess is one point. Each “Taboo” removes one point from the clue-giver’s team. After everyone has had a turn, the team with the most points wins.

Tips for a Fun Game

• Sit the watcher where they can read the card but the guessers cannot.
• Use a loud timer so no one argues about time.
• Allow a few passes per turn so the game never stalls.
• Make extra cards with family names and inside jokes.

Variations

• Little kids: Use only the target word with no forbidden list. Let adults give hints.
• Silent version: The clue-giver may only act out the word. This is Charades with a twist.
• One-word round: The clue-giver may say only one word per card.