A Game For All Seasons
Holiday Cheer is a spirited, get-acquainted game that is great fun and a great way to get to know people.
Here is a board with many paths, and many surprises. There are Holiday cards and Cheer Cards, each with topics that get "curiouser and curiouser". You never quite know who will be answering next, or what the interesting story will be.
The purpose of the game is to accumulate enough puzzle pieces to put together the puzzle. The first person to assemble his own puzzle wins the game.
You don’t have to play this game. Think about a party. Hand out the list of questions and let the guests ask each other questions off the list.
INSTRUCTIONS (abbreviated)
To start: Lay out the board. Assemble the "bucket" and place it in the center of the board. The pack of green "Cheer Cards" is divided in two and placed face down on opposite sides of the board.
Each player then takes his own marker and one "Holiday Questions" card.
He places his marker in the small "Start Here" square nearest him on the board. He keeps his "Holiday Questions" card handy.
To accumulate puzzle pieces you must answer various questions. Each time you answer a question satisfactorily you get one or two puzzle pieces from the bucket. Assemble your puzzle in the corner at your right.
When the die is cast you move as many squares as the die indicates, always moving clockwise around the board. You will land on one of four type of squares.
If you land on a holiday name: You get to try for TWO puzzle pieces by answering the special Holiday Question.
If you land on a stopwatch: Speed is important.
If you land on a blank face: You get to choose who answers.
Each time you answer the question to everyone's satisfaction, take a puzzle piece from the bucket.
The Cheer Questions are the easiest. They elicit happy memories and thoughts that are fun to share.
The Holiday Questions are the most difficult, which is why the answer gets two puzzle pieces. They relate to traditions, personalities, or ideas behind the holidays.
Copyright Joseph Belotte 1988-1991
All rights reserved
HOLIDAY CHEER TOPICS
April Fools Day:
Tell about a time someone fooled you.
Tell about a time something unexpected happened.
Tell about a time you didn't pay attention.
Tell about a time you fooled someone.
Ash Wednesday:
Tell about a time you abstained from something.
Tell about a time you paused to think something over.
Tell about a time you felt good being alone for a time.
Tell about a time you remembered your purpose.
Boss's Day:
Tell about a time you took charge of something.
Tell about a time you made a good decision.
Tell about a time you accepted a job or responsibility.
Tell about a time you decided on a new direction.
Christmas:
Tell about a time a new hope was born.
Tell about a time something new came into your life.
Tell about a time you felt at peace.
Tell about a time you enjoyed a good time with others.
Columbus Day:
Tell about a time you discovered a new route or path.
Tell about a time you set out for parts unknown.
Tell about a time you discovered a wonderful new place.
Tell about a time you got help from a friendly lady (or man).
Easter Sunday:
Tell about a time you enjoyed the beginning of spring.
Tell about a time you came alive again.
Tell about a time you rose above a situation.
Tell about a time you were only down for a short time.
Election Day:
Tell about a time you made a good choice.
Tell about a time you were elected to do something.
Tell about a time someone "voted" for you.
Tell about a time you fooled some of the people some of the time.
Father's Day:
Tell about a time something you started got out of hand.
Tell about a time you saw something through to the end.
Tell about a time you brought home something good.
Tell about a time you felt protective.
Good Friday:
Tell about a time you expected a disaster.
Tell about a time you suffered the pain without complaint.
Tell about a time you forgave someone who didn't understand.
Tell about a time you trusted that it would all come out all right.
Halloween:
Tell about a time you were fearful for a while.
Tell about a time something scary or mysterious happened.
Tell about a time something was not as it appeared to be.
Tell about a time you were involved in a prank or joke.
Hanukkah:
Tell about a time you renewed a promise.
Tell about a time you enjoyed a victory.
Tell about a time you dedicated yourself to something.
Tell about a time you felt rapport with someone.
Independence Day:
Tell about a time you took your own path.
Tell about a time you decided to make your own decision.
Tell about a time your life was full of fireworks.
Tell about a time you knew how to do it better.
Labor Day:
Tell about a time you enjoyed working.
Tell about a time you didn't have to work.
Tell about a time you expended physical or mental effort.
Tell about a time you did something in exchange for something.
Lincoln's Birthday:
Tell about a time you fought for something important.
Tell about a time you educated yourself.
Tell about a time you talked eloquently.
Tell about a time you neglected danger.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day:
Tell about a time you worked together with people.
Tell about a time you stood up for your principles.
Tell about a time you accomplished something without violence.
Tell about a time you did something for people.
Memorial Day:
Tell about a time you appreciated another's effort.
Tell about a time you were inspired by someone's life.
Tell about a time you remembered someone special.
Tell about a time you took up where someone left off.
Mother's Day:
Tell about a time you brought something new into the world.
Tell about a time you were able to assist someone.
Tell about a time you were there when you were needed.
Tell about a time you enjoyed a family.
New Year's Day:
Tell about a time you got a new lease on life.
Tell about a time you resolved to do something.
Tell about a time you put something behind you.
Tell about a time you began something new.
Palm Sunday:
Tell about a time you entered a new area.
Tell about a time you celebrated something.
Tell about a time you realized what you really had.
Tell about a time you felt triumphant.
Passover:
Tell about a time you got by with something.
Tell about a time someone handled it for you.
Tell about a time you felt blessed.
Tell about a time you avoided trouble.
Rosh Hashanah:
Tell about a time you had a worthwhile realization.
Tell about a time you fulfilled a responsibility.
Tell about a time you made a change.
Tell about a time you did something to improve yourself.
Secretaries Day:
Tell about a time you handled all the details.
Tell about a time you felt organized.
Tell about a time you did a good job.
Tell about a time someone did a good job.
St. Patrick's Day:
Tell about a time you made good luck through hard work.
Tell about a time you followed a dream.
Tell about a time you drove trouble away.
Tell about a time you enjoyed something green.
Thanksgiving:
Tell about a time nature provided.
Tell about a time you weren't the turkey.
Tell about a time you stuffed yourself.
Tell about a time something you were/are really thankful for.
Valentine's Day:
Tell about a time you felt affection for someone.
Tell about a time you chose someone special.
Tell about a time your heart pounded.
Tell about a time someone selected you.
Veteran's Day:
Tell about a time you finished a serious project.
Tell about a time you fought for what you believed in.
Tell about a time you came away learning something.
Tell about a time you survived an ordeal.
Washington's Birthday:
Tell about a time you made yourself number one.
Tell about a time you slept in a strange place.
Tell about a time you couldn't tell a lie.
Tell about a time you told the truth.
Yom Kippur:
Tell about a time you let go of a disagreement.
Tell about a time you got together with someone again.
Tell about a time you felt close to God or Nature.
Tell about a time you forgave someone.
You don’t have to play this game. Think about a party. Hand out the list of questions and let the guests ask each other questions off the list.
Copyright Joseph Belotte 1988
