Tropes, not titles
The squares describe things that happen, not particular films, so one set of cards works for whatever you put on. That also means there is nothing on the sheet tied to a studio or a franchise, and you can print and hand it out anywhere.
Examples from the default list: a rival developer wants to buy the inn, somebody bakes under time pressure, a ladder scene with fairy lights, an unexplained live band at a town event, two characters are snowed in together, a child gives sage advice.
Playing it properly
Five by five with a free centre, a line to win, full card for the determined. One film is usually enough for several lines, so play for a full house if you want the game to last the whole thing.
It works best with a film nobody has chosen carefully. The more formulaic the better, which is the one case where a bad festive film is the right pick.
Make your own squares
Every square is editable. A family with its own running jokes about a particular film will get far more out of a custom set, and for an office party you can mix in work references. Keep the squares to things that definitely happen, or the game stalls.
Questions
- Does this name specific Christmas films?
- No. Every square describes a plot cliche rather than a title, so one set of cards works with any festive film and there is nothing on the sheet tied to a studio or franchise.
- How many cards can I print?
- Up to twenty unique 5 by 5 cards, each a different arrangement of the same twenty-five squares, with a free centre square.
- Can I write my own squares?
- Yes. Every square is editable. Stick to things that are certain to happen in the film you are watching, otherwise nobody completes a line.
- Is one film long enough for a game?
- Yes for a line, usually several times over. Play for a full card if you want the game to last the whole film.