Holly Jolly (2021) Board Game

Holly Jolly is a card game released in 2021, designed by Robin Banks and published by 25th Century Games. It is a family-friendly game suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 20-30 minutes. The game revolves around collecting sets of Christmas-themed cards to earn points and bonuses.

Game Components of Holly Jolly

Shared Christmas Tree: Composed of 3 lights/tinsel cards and surrounded by 9 ornament cards.

Lights/Tinsel Cards: Used to decorate the tree and determine ornament selection.

Ornament Cards: Placed around the tree, each with a specific number.

Present/Stocking Cards: Placed below the tree, scoring points in various ways.

Gameboard: Arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with ornaments, presents, stockings, and a star.

How To Setup Holly Jolly

To set up Holly Jolly, arrange the cards in the center of the playing area to form a Christmas tree. The lights/tinsel cards are placed on the tree, while the ornament cards are positioned around it. The present/stocking cards are laid out below the tree. This setup creates a festive and inviting game environment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft one light or tinsel card per turn and place it on the tree.

Number Summation: The sum of the numbers on the lights/tinsel cards determines which ornament can be collected.

Ornament Collection: If the sum matches an ornament, the player collects it; otherwise, they take a present/stocking.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of ornaments and presents/stockings to score points.

Game End: The game ends when either the ornament or present/stocking deck runs out, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Holly Jolly is easy to learn and accessible to players of all ages, starting from 8 years old. The game’s theme and artwork, courtesy of Robin Banks, add a delightful holiday feel. However, the game can become stagnant if the lights/tinsel cards have high numbers that don’t match the available ornaments, forcing players to repeatedly claim presents/stockings instead. Higher player counts can introduce analysis paralysis and downtime, making the game more enjoyable with two players.

Pros

Fun Christmas Theme: Successfully incorporates holiday elements.

Easy to Learn: Accessible ruleset for all ages.

Solid Two-Player Experience: Ideal for a quick game with a friend or family member.

Cons

Higher Player Counts Issues: Analysis paralysis and downtime can occur with more players.

Game Stagnation: High numbers on lights/tinsel cards can slow down gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Holly Jolly

Holly Jolly is a great fit for families and friends looking for a light-hearted, festive game to enjoy during the holidays. While it shines with two players, it becomes less engaging with higher player counts due to increased downtime and luck-based gameplay. It’s perfect for those seeking a fun, easy-to-learn set collection game with a unique holiday twist.

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