On Grinches and Games

Today, we have the opportunity to hear from a non-blogger, Shawn Schwartzman.  Shawn leads a ministry in Fayetteville, Arkansas known as the Potter’s House, which ministers to at-risk school-aged youth. One day, as Shawn and I were discussing the concept of relational giving and incarnational living during the Christmas holiday, Shawn shared a Christmas game that his family had created. Finding it to be completely brilliant, I have asked him to share his story with you. As you read, remember that you can (and should) tailor his suggestion to fit within your family’s ChristmasChange spending and giving standards.
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A Christmas Scavenger Hunt

I will openly acknowledge that I am a Christmas Grinch.

That being said, I love the season of Christmas. I love spending time with my wife, children, out-of-town relatives, and extended family. I enjoy my time with my brothers, whom I do not see often. So, with that in mind, why do I call myself a Grinch? Simply put, I struggle with the “stuff expectation,” the feeling that I have to buy something for everyone because that is what I am supposed to do. So, my vote is to do away with gift-giving altogether.

But then again, there is my wife’s vote, which is, to say the least, much different. She loves gift giving and she is great at it. She finds joy in it and brings joy to others. So, what do we do?

A couple of years ago we decided to meet in the middle. We decided to create a game that would allow us to purchase gifts for our family, while at the same time allowing for relational giving. Here was how the game worked.

We first sent invitations to family members who would be in town for Christmas, and asked them to set aside one evening to participate in our Christmas game. Twelve family members said that they would come, and so, we divided the group into two teams of six. We then made two lists: 1) a list of personal questions (e.g., where were you born, what is your favorite meal, what is your best childhood memory); and, 2) a general list of things that each person liked (e.g., something pink, something superhero related).

On the given day, everyone came to our house and each was given a team-colored bandanna. We informed each team that they were going on a Christmas scavenger hunt, and gave each team a certain amount of money. The teams had two hours to complete the two lists that we gave them.

The list of questions was to be completed while the team was driving from destination to destination, and each member had to answer all the questions. The teams completed the second list by buying small gifts that fit into the given categories. What they did not know was that they were shopping for each person on the other team. In addition, the lists contained random acts of service or kindness, such as “do a good deed for someone,” or, “take a picture with a Salvation Army Bell Ringer.” In addition, the teams were required to wear their bandannas at all times and each team was asked to stay together throughout the hunt. We also asked the teams to take photographs as they completed the lists.

Two hours later the teams met in our living room, shared their stories, looked at pictures, and brought the gifts they had purchased. As they showed what they bought for each category, we told them (to their surprise) the other team member for whom they bought the gift. As you can imagine, it made for some good (and very funny) gifts.

On that memorable Christmas, we shared stories, laughed, shopped, and made an incredible memory that none of us will ever forget. If you would like to duplicate this game, we have saved all of our materials, and we would be happy to share them with you. Although the game was not difficult, it was well worth the time!

Thank you for letting me share, and let me know your thoughts.

Shawn “Grinch” Schwartzman
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That wasn’t so Grinchy, Shawn. This is: