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Whether your loved ones are around the corner or scattered across the globe, technology allows everyone to join in the fun. Here’s how to organise these hilarious and heartwarming competitions for a Christmas to remember.
1. The Naff Christmas Jumper Contest
No festive gathering is complete without an abundance of loud and proud Christmas jumpers! From blinking lights to garish designs, the tackier, the better.
How to Host
For In-Person Gatherings: Create a runway or photo backdrop for participants to show off their jumpers. Offer prizes for categories like “Most Tacky,” “Funniest,” and “Most Creative DIY.”
For Virtual Gatherings: Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Encourage everyone to model their jumper and strike a pose. Create a group poll to vote for the winners or nominate a panel of judges.
Extra Twist
Challenge participants to DIY their jumpers by adding unconventional decorations, such as tinsel, baubles, or a miniature Christmas tree!
2. Naff Christmas Tree Decoration Challenge
Turn decorating the Christmas tree into a laugh-out-loud competition. The goal? To create the most outrageously naff tree possible.
How to Play
Set the Rules: Participants can only use household items, bargain bin finds, or handmade decorations to adorn their tree.
Virtual Participants: Ask everyone to send photos of their trees before the big day or do a live tree reveal during the call.
Voting: Use apps like Mentimeter for live voting or let a jury of kids (who always appreciate silliness) pick the winner.
Award Categories
"Most Outlandish Tree"
"The Tinsel Overload Award"
"Most Creative Use of Random Items"
3. Naff Home Decoration Contest
It’s time to go big—turn your home (or a single room) into the ultimate showcase of gaudy Christmas décor. Think clashing colours, inflatable Santa Clauses, and as much glitter as humanly possible.
How to Compete
For Remote Participants: Arrange a virtual home tour via video call. Participants can walk their cameras around to highlight their décor choices.
Judging: Encourage each participant to deliver a short, tongue-in-cheek pitch about their “design inspiration.”
Voting: Use a mix of categories like “Most Naff,” “Brightest Display,” and “Most Imaginative.”
Pro Tip
Set a budget cap (e.g., £10 or $15) to keep it fair and encourage creative reuse of existing items.
4. Group Participation Made Easy
To involve family and friends from all corners of the world, use these tips:
Set a Theme and Deadlines: Announce the competition themes early and give participants a deadline to submit entries or prepare their decorations.
Use Shared Platforms: Create a private group on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Groups where people can share photos, videos, and updates about their progress.
Plan a Live Event: Host a live virtual event to announce the winners. Add games or carol singing to make it even more festive.
Prizes for Maximum Fun
Keep prizes light-hearted and in keeping with the naff theme. Ideas include:
A miniature tinsel crown for the “King/Queen of Naff”
A “Golden Bauble” trophy (DIY using gold paint and an old ornament)
Joke gifts, like a framed photo of the winning decoration or a box of out-of-season Easter eggs
Make It Memorable
These competitions are about bringing people together and creating shared laughter. Encourage participants to document their efforts, whether through funny selfies, progress videos, or a group scrapbook of entries. You could even compile a video montage to share with everyone afterward as a keepsake.
Why Embrace the Naff?
Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about joy, connection, and embracing the silliness of the season. These competitions are a brilliant way to break the ice, spark creativity, and make sure that everyone, near or far, feels part of the festivities.
So, dig out those flashing jumpers, stock up on tinsel, and start planning your most wonderfully naff Christmas ever!