12 Days of Christmas

You know that quick card game you can explain in two minutes and everyone starts playing immediately? 12 Days of Christmas is exactly that! Designed by Dr. Gord Hamilton, this little game is the definition of festive fun and controlled chaos. The idea is simple, yet tricky: everyone starts with twelve cards, and the deck is highly themed, ranging from a single '1' card up to twelve '12' cards. The goal? Be the first to empty your hand to snag a gift!

The game plays out in rounds where the first player sets the pace. You can play a single card, a pair, or even a sequence of values. Whoever manages to play a card lower than the previous one (after everyone passes) takes control of the round. But watch out: if you're the first to run out of cards, you claim a gift. However, if you're the one left with the most cards in hand, you have to give a gift to the round's winner! It's a game of shedding and hand management where you must balance the urge to play fast with the fear of being left with too many cards. With its 'climbing' and shedding mechanics, it's perfect for Christmas gatherings or any casual game night. It's fast, dynamic, and with the right crowd, it'll lead to plenty of laughs (and some gift-related rivalry!)