08/29/2024

With the holidays approaching faster than I like, I thought it would be a good time to talk about holiday one-shots. The holidays are when people gather together, so it is a great opportunity to bust out a one-shot for a game you want to try out.

Here are some tips on hosting a holiday one-shot:

Running a one-shot adventure over the holidays can be a perfect way to gather friends and family for some creative fun. Unlike a long-term campaign, a one-shot is designed to be completed in a single session, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, a bit of preparation and thoughtfulness on the part of the Game Master (GM) is key.

Setting Up the One-Shot

When planning a holiday one-shot, it’s important to consider the group’s availability and experience level. Choose a game system that’s easy to pick up, especially if you’ll have newcomers at the table. You might even opt for a holiday-themed adventure to set a festive mood, or a lighter, more humorous storyline to match the holiday spirit. Keep the plot straightforward with clear objectives, allowing players to jump right into the action without getting bogged down in complex rules or backstories.

Pre-made characters can save time and help new players get started quickly. You could create characters that align with the holiday theme or offer a mix of fun, quirky options. Make sure each character has a distinct role to play in the adventure, allowing everyone a chance to shine.

Ensuring a Great Time for Everyone

As the GM, your primary goal is to ensure that everyone has fun. Encourage a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable contributing. Since it’s a one-shot, focus on creating memorable moments rather than adhering strictly to the rules. Feel free to adjust encounters on the fly to keep the game moving and maintain the excitement.

To keep the energy up, be mindful of the pacing. A good one-shot should balance action, role-playing, and problem-solving without dragging in any one area. Keep things moving briskly but allow space for players to enjoy themselves and explore their characters. If the group starts to slow down, gently steer them back toward the main objectives.

Finally, consider the tone of the game. Since it’s the holidays, you might want to keep things light and avoid heavy themes. Add some humorous elements or festive surprises to keep the session joyful and aligned with the season. The goal is for everyone to leave the table with smiles on their faces and a great memory to carry with them through the rest of the holiday season.

I posted a few years ago about running a good one-shot adventure and I talked about a one-shot I ran for Halloween. You can read that post here.

Keep on gaming!