Classic Aesthetic

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THE COSTUME: Closet Staples You Might Already Have

Classic Christmas Look:

• Red, green, silver, or gold clothing

• Santa hat, elf ears, reindeer antlers, or tinsel headbands

• Ugly Christmas sweater—louder = better

• Fuzzy boots or slippers, striped tights, or sparkly heels

• Accessorize with ornaments, garland, and holiday pins

Elves & Helpers:

• Tunics or aprons, striped leggings, jingle bells

• Pointy hat and shoes (DIY with cardboard if needed!)

• Carry a clipboard or a sack full of "defective" toys

Fancier Characters (Snow Queen, Ghosts, etc.):

• Flowing robes, dramatic capes, all-white or icy-blue outfits

• Glitter makeup, white wigs, or fake snow accents

• Light-up accessories for ghostly glow or regal drama

Modern Characters (Influencer, Mall Staff, etc.):

• Trendy red jumpsuits or influencer-chic holiday wear

• Santa suit worn ironically or on a lunch break

• Apron with “#1 Wrapper” or “Sleigh All Day” printed

 

HAIR & MAKEUP:

• Add glitter, red lipstick, or frosted highlights

• Elf freckles made from dots of red or green eyeliner

• Candy-cane eyeliner or snowflake face stickers

• For darker characters: smoky eyes with red shimmer, or "frostbite" contouring with blue/gray tones

 

ACCESSORIES: 

• Candy canes, bells, bows, or wrapped “gifts” with hidden surprises

• A fake list of naughty names—including other guests

• Wrapped presents labeled “Evidence,” “Secrets,” or “Don’t Open Til Trial”

• A toy hammer, snow globe, or suspicious fruitcake

• Ornament earrings or light-up necklaces

• A name tag that says “Not The Real Santa (Don’t Ask)”

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CHARACTER & ROLEPLAYING TIPS

Voice & Speech

• Use exaggerated cheer or suspiciously forced joy

• Elves may talk fast and frantically, like sugar-fueled interns

• Santa and Mrs. Claus can be sweet or sinisterly soothing

• Carolers speak in song—or act like they will unless you behave

• Frosty characters? Cold, calculated, and maybe British

Behavioral Quirks

• Always jingling from somewhere

• Handing out “gifts” at random and refusing to explain them

• Drinking from a mug that says “Ho Ho Homicide”

• Passive-aggressive to anyone not wearing red

• Murmuring “it’s beginning to look a lot like vengeance” when the lights dim

 Bonus Touches

• Wrap clues or items in gift boxes and "accidentally" drop them

• Pretend to be haunted by a Ghost of Christmas Scandals Past

• Interrupt conversations with awkward carols (“Deck the halls with DEEP suspicion…”)

• Leave behind glitter like a festive calling card

• Claim you were framed—and all you wanted was a silent night

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​Tinsel & Trouble characters are merry, bright… and maybe homicidal. Whether you’re jingling all the way to the witness stand or sleighing in style, one thing’s for sure: someone’s getting wrapped up in this mystery.

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🎅 "Slay Bells Ring": A Character Guide for the Naughty, the Nice, and the Newly Accused

Because every Christmas party needs a little chaos under the tree.

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🎅 Santa Claus – The Overworked Icon

Vibe: Jolly… but maybe faking it. Knows who’s naughty, but the stress of logistics, elves, and reindeer union demands is catching up.

Costume (from your closet):

• Red hoodie or flannel shirt, pillow under it for “holiday spirit.”

• Santa hat, boots, and a belt.

• White beard (cotton balls, shaving cream, or fake).

Props:

• Sack of “presents” (wrapped boxes).

• Clipboard labeled “Naughty List: Under Review.”

• Mug labeled “Cocoa (Definitely Cocoa).”

How to Act:

• Laugh big but sigh louder.

• Rub your temples like Christmas is a full-time job (because it is).

• Call everyone “kid” or “buddy.”

Quirks:

• Checks lists compulsively.

• Drops cookie crumbs everywhere.

• Looks tired at the mention of chimneys.

Sayings:

“I’ve seen things. Gift receipts can’t fix everything.”
“Ho, ho… no.”
“I know when you’ve been lying.”

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🤶 Mrs. Claus – The Sugar-Coated Strategist

Vibe: Sweet as gingerbread, sharp as a candy cane shiv. She’s either baking cookies or plotting the next reindeer coup.

Costume (from your closet):

• Red dress or skirt, white apron, cozy shawl.

• Add pearls or festive brooch.

• Hair in a bun, maybe dusted with “flour.”

Props:

• Mixing bowl, spoon, tray of “cookies.”

• Rolling pin (innocent… probably).

How to Act:

• Smile sweetly before saying something cutting.

• Offer cookies at suspiciously convenient times.

• Call everyone “dear,” even if you’re furious.

Quirks:

• Hums carols while glaring.

• Complains about the laundry list of elves.

• Has perfect timing for dramatic entrances.

Sayings:

“Behind every great man is a woman managing the chaos.”
“I don’t snap—I crumble.”
“Don’t cross me. I know where you sleep… and it’s the North Pole.”

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🧝 The Elves – The Toyshop Chaos Crew

Vibe: Overworked, underpaid, and running on candy canes and caffeine. Equal parts cute and unhinged.

Costume (from your closet):

• Green shirt or dress, striped socks, Santa hat.

• Add bells, suspenders, or a tool belt.

Props:

• Gift boxes, glue gun, hammer, or candy props.

• Clipboard labeled “Toy Quotas (Help!).”

How to Act:

• Speak too fast. Laugh nervously.

• Panic every time someone says “deadline.”

• Hide candy wrappers everywhere.

Quirks:

• Sings under stress.

• Keeps calling the boss “Big Red.”

• Argues about “elf rights.”

Sayings:

“Sleep? Never heard of her.”
“We’re unionizing next Christmas.”
“I’m not short—I’m efficient.”

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🦌 Rudolph (or Any Reindeer) – The Guiding Light

Vibe: Loyal, overworked, and probably done with corporate flight schedules. Still looks great in antlers, though.

Costume (from your closet):

• Brown outfit, reindeer antlers, red nose (or makeup).

• Add tail or scarf for flair.

Props:

• Flashlight (“nose”), bells, or small sleigh prop.

How to Act:

• Snort dramatically.

• Stretch neck proudly whenever someone mentions “teamwork.”

• Make emotional speeches about weather conditions.

Quirks:

• Humblebrags about saving Christmas.

• Side-eyes the sleigh.

• Takes everything literally.

Sayings:

“They never thanked me for the fog, you know.”
“I carried this holiday on my back.”
“You’d have attitude too if everyone made nose jokes.”

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🔧 Toy Maker – The Tinkering Genius

Vibe: Inventive, twitchy, and slightly explosive. Always building something — even if it’s a bad idea.

Costume (from your closet):

• Overalls or apron, tool belt, goggles or glasses.

• Add pencil behind ear.

Props:

• Toy hammer, screwdriver, fake blueprints.

How to Act:

• Mutter about “mechanical perfection.”

• Get distracted mid-sentence by new ideas.

• Treat toys like sacred relics.

Quirks:

• Covered in glitter.

• Fingers constantly moving like they’re building something.

• Keeps talking to a “prototype.”

Sayings:

“I can fix anything… except people.”
“It’s not broken—it’s experimental.”
“Every nut and bolt tells a story.”

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🌟 Holiday Pageant Star – The Spotlight Stealer

Vibe: Dramatic. Fabulous. Ready to belt “Silent Night” like it’s Broadway.

Costume (from your closet):

• Red or gold outfit, stage makeup, accessories that sparkle.

• Optional: microphone prop or crown.

Props:

• Script, trophy, or fake snowflake award.

How to Act:

• Speak like the world is your audience.

• Always “warming up your voice.”

• Strike poses for invisible cameras.

Quirks:

• Demands “five minutes of quiet” before every line.

• Constantly name-drops imaginary productions.

• Calls the murder “my greatest role yet.”

Sayings:

“They said ‘break a leg,’ and someone did.”
“Every tragedy needs a star.”
“Applause is my alibi.”

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🎵 Christmas Caroler – The Jolly Crooner

Vibe: Cheerful… maybe too cheerful. Shows up uninvited, never leaves, and sings through every situation.

Costume (from your closet):

• Victorian-style clothes (long coat, scarf, hat).

• Or just red/green combo with gloves.

Props:

• Songbook, candle, or bell.

How to Act:

• Sing lines instead of saying them.

• Harmonize with yourself.

• Refuse to acknowledge tension — it’s “bad for morale.”

Quirks:

• Can’t stop rhyming.

• Says everything in rhythm.

• Sneaks in jingles even in serious moments.

Sayings:

“I bring tidings… and drama.”
“I heard the bells — and the scream.”
“Deck the halls, not the suspects.”

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🧑‍🎄 Mall Santa or Elf – The Retail Veteran

Vibe: Knows all the gossip, all the secrets, and every kid’s wish list. Emotionally done since Black Friday.

Costume (from your closet):

• Red and white outfit, name tag, Santa or elf hat.

• Comfortable shoes — they’ve earned it.

Props:

• Clipboard labeled “Photo Schedule.”

• Candy canes, fake presents.

How to Act:

• Smile like you’re holding back tears.

• Speak in rehearsed cheer.

• Mention “holiday pay” constantly.

Quirks:

• Calls everyone “sport.”

• Corrects people on Santa lore.

• Takes breaks at suspicious times.

Sayings:

“I’ve seen what people ask for… and it’s not peace on Earth.”
“The line’s closed, and so is my patience.”
“Smile, or you’re on the naughty list.”

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📱 Holiday Influencer – The Festive Filmmaker

Vibe: Peppermint perfection, glittered optimism, and deeply competitive about hot cocoa recipes.

Costume (from your closet):

• Coordinated red/white outfit, stylish coat, Santa hat.

• Add ring light or selfie stick prop.

Props:

• Phone, fake “followers” badge, mug labeled “#SleighingIt.”

How to Act:

• Narrate your actions like a vlog.

• Say “for the content!” often.

• Pose with everything — even the body.

Quirks:

• Always rearranging things for aesthetics.

• Says “hashtag blessed” unironically.

• Films dramatic reactions mid-accusation.

Sayings:

“This scandal has major engagement potential.”
“We’re trending — and I don’t mean the temperature.”
“My followers are gonna love this.”

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👻 Christmas Ghost – The Timeless Witness

Vibe: Eerie, elegant, and knows everything — maybe because they’ve been haunting it for centuries.

Costume (from your closet):

• White or silver outfit, long scarf or robe.

• Optional: shimmery makeup or glow stick effect.

Props:

• Lantern, old-fashioned chain, clock, or bell.

How to Act:

• Speak slowly and dramatically.

• Glide instead of walk.

• Mention “unfinished business” cryptically.

Quirks:

• Stares through people.

• Disappears (literally or emotionally) mid-convo.

• Makes ominous statements, then hums a carol.

Sayings:

“I’ve seen this party before… and after.”
“Time is short — especially for some of you.”
“The past never dies… it just RSVP’d.”

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❄️ Snow Queen / Jack Frost – The Icy Aesthetic

Vibe: Glamorous, dramatic, and cold in every sense. Charms everyone but warms no one.

Costume (from your closet):

• White, blue, or silver outfit.

• Add crown, cape, or glitter makeup.

Props:

• Wand, snowflake ornament, or hairspray labeled “Blizzard in a Can.”

How to Act:

• Speak softly but frostily.

• Give compliments that sound like insults.

• Move gracefully — like a snowstorm about to hit.

Quirks:

• Blows “frost” (baby powder) dramatically.

• Refers to everyone as “warmblood.”

• Never sits — only poses.

Sayings:

“I don’t melt under pressure — I cause it.”
“Some people say I’m cold. They’re correct.”
“Freeze the frame, darling — it’s my good side.”

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🎁 Gift Wrapper / Workshop Supervisor – The Glitter Enforcer

Vibe: Organized, efficient, and secretly terrifying. Nothing escapes their ribbon-bound gaze.

Costume (from your closet):

• Red or green shirt, apron, or holiday sweater.

• Add ribbons, bows, and tape everywhere.

Props:

• Scissors, tape, clipboard labeled “Packaging Protocol.”

How to Act:

• Speak in to-do lists.

• Fix crooked bows mid-conversation.

• Get personally offended by messy wrapping.

Quirks:

• Glitter on everything.

• Counts presents twice.

• Whispers “fold, tape, tuck” like a mantra.

Sayings:

“Perfection is in the presentation.”
“I can wrap anything… even a cover-up.”
“That’s not ribbon — that’s restraint.”

🧦 From Your Closet Checklist:

You likely already own half of your holiday disguise:

• Red or green outfit

• Santa hat or scarf

• Boots or cozy slippers

• Glitter, ribbons, or tinsel

• Coffee mug (prop or emotional support)

🎭 Acting Tips for All Holiday Characters:

• Be extra. Christmas is a performance art.

• Add festive energy to everything — even accusations.

• Replace swear words with “jingle” or “gingerbread.”

• When in doubt, hum a carol ominously.

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🐻 Christmas Polar Bear – The Chill Enforcer

Vibe: Cool-headed, fiercely protective, and a little sleepy from too much cocoa. Brings the muscle and the mistletoe.

Costume (from your closet):

• White hoodie or fuzzy sweater.

• White pants or jeans.

• Add bear ears (headband or DIY with cotton balls).

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• White mittens or gloves, sunglasses (“polarized,” obviously).

Props:

• Mug of cocoa, fish plushie, or scarf labeled “North Pole Patrol.”

How to Act:

• Move slowly, confidently.

• Speak in a deep, calm voice.

• Growl softly when suspicious.

Quirks:

• Falls asleep mid-conversation.

• Overreacts if someone touches their hot cocoa.

• Offers hugs that last a little too long.

Sayings:

“Stay frosty, friends.”
“I’m not mad — I’m just hibernating emotionally.”
“Don’t poke the bear. Especially this bear.”

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🐧 Christmas Penguin – The Fancy Flipper

Vibe: Overdressed, underappreciated, and absolutely adorable… until crossed. Constantly sliding into drama.

Costume (from your closet):

• Black pants, white shirt, black jacket or vest.

• Add orange socks or construction paper “feet.”

• Optional: bow tie or tiny Santa hat.

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• Penguin mask, felt wings, or fake beak.

Props:

• Clipboard labeled “March of the Witnesses.”

• Fish plush, ice cube tray, or snowball prop.

How to Act:

• Waddle dramatically.

• Gossip quietly but efficiently.

• Adjust your bowtie nervously when accused.

Quirks:

• Slides into rooms instead of walking.

• Flaps arms when excited.

• Loves group photos.

Sayings:

“Classy? Always. Flightless? Never emotionally.”
“I didn’t see anything — I was… chilling.”
“You’re skating on thin ice, pal.”

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🍪 Gingerbread Person – The Crumbly Optimist

Vibe: Sweet, flaky, and just trying to hold it together. Might have lost a gumdrop or two in the chaos.

Costume (from your closet):

• Brown outfit (sweatshirt or t-shirt + pants).

• Add white trim with fabric paint or tape for “icing.”

• Buttons (real or paper) down the front.

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• Cookie cutter, felt gumdrops, or gingerbread headband.

Props:

• Baking tray, oven mitts, or rolling pin.

• Clipboard labeled “Recipe for Disaster.”

How to Act:

• Be overly cheerful, even when panicking.

• Speak in baking metaphors.

• Pretend to crumble dramatically under pressure.

Quirks:

• Keeps sniffing the air for sugar.

• Panics when near the oven.

• Refers to everyone as “cookie.”

Sayings:

“Don’t crumble under pressure — that’s my job.”
“Sweet dreams are made of me.”
“They said I was half-baked. They weren’t wrong.” 

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☃️ Snowperson – The Melting Detective

Vibe: Cool and composed — until things heat up. Keeps calm under questioning, but emotionally fragile in warm rooms.

Costume (from your closet):

• White clothes, scarf, and top hat.

• Add buttons down the front and a carrot nose (paper or orange cone).

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• White beanie, stick arms (brown gloves), fake snow spray.

Props:

• Small broom, mug labeled “Frost Fuel,” or snowflake ornament.

How to Act:

• Move stiffly like a snowperson.

• Wipe imaginary sweat dramatically.

• Panic anytime someone mentions summer.

Quirks:

• Melts under pressure — literally pretends to.

• Carries tissues for “snow drip.”

• Stares longingly at the freezer.

Sayings:

“Cool heads prevail — mostly because mine’s made of snow.”
“I didn’t do it, but I’m freezing my assets just in case.”
“It’s fine. I’ll chill.”

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💚 The Ginch (or Grumpy Holiday Guest) – The Unmerry Misfit

Vibe: Grumpy, sarcastic, but ultimately lovable (don’t tell them that). Claims they hate Christmas… but knows every lyric to every carol.

Costume (from your closet):

• Green outfit or sweater, Santa hat, red scarf.

• Add green gloves or face paint (optional).

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• Gift bag filled with “stolen” decorations.

• Fuzzy green socks or faux fur trim.

Props:

• Coffee mug labeled “Holiday Spirit (Empty).”

• Wrapped box that says “My Feelings.”

How to Act:

• Roll eyes constantly.

• Complain about cheer, but secretly enjoy it.

• Deny everything — including joy.

Quirks:

• Sneezes at glitter.

• Grumbles but always helps anyway.

• Starts every sentence with “Ugh.”

Sayings:

“I came, I saw, I tolerated.”
“Don’t get sappy — it’s bad for my image.”
“Fine, I’ll save Christmas. Again.”

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🧝 Support Elf – The Real MVP

Vibe: Cheerful, reliable, and tired of fixing everyone’s mistakes. The backbone of Santa’s empire — and the only one who actually reads the safety manual.

Costume (from your closet):

• Green or red outfit, striped socks or scarf, pointy hat.

• Add tool belt or clipboard.

Easy to Buy / DIY:

• Elf ears, name tag (“Head of Logistics”), candy cane pen.

Props:

• Clipboard labeled “Workshop Task List.”

• Wrench, tape, or mini hammer.

How to Act:

• Walk fast. Talk faster.

• Mutter about “production schedules.”

• Be overly polite to everyone… especially suspects.

Quirks:

• Writes everything down.

• Counts toys in the background.

• Always “on break,” but never actually resting.

Sayings:

“I’m not bossy — I’m efficiently festive.”
“Do I look like I have time for a murder?”
“You can’t spell ‘organized’ without ‘elf.’”

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🎁 From Your Closet Checklist (for any role):

You probably already own something that screams “holiday legend in disguise”:

• Red, green, or white clothing

• Boots or slippers

• Santa hat or scarf

• A sense of chaotic cheer

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🧠 Acting Tips for All Winter Characters:

• Lean into your seasonal drama. Every snowflake is a scene-stealer.

• Sprinkle in winter puns like powdered sugar.

• When in doubt, hum “Jingle Bells” while side-eyeing suspects.

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🎄 Clark Griswall – The Overenthusiastic Holiday Hero

Vibe: Earnest. Overly optimistic. Teetering on the edge of a festive meltdown. Trying way too hard to make this the “hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.”

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Costume (from your closet):

• Sweater or cardigan with questionable holiday spirit.

• A button-down shirt tucked into khakis (because Clark tucks).

• Winter jacket or robe (depending on meltdown level).

• Christmas tie… bonus points if it lights up.

• Throw on a pair of loafers or comfy Dad shoes.

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Props:

• A tangled ball of Christmas lights.

• A bonus-envelope-sized “disappointment.”

• A ladder (or a ruler you claim is a ladder).

• Eggnog in a moose mug (or any mug — tell everyone it’s eggnog).

• A roll of duct tape and a staple gun (fake/stage-safe).

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How to Act:

• Smile like everything is fine… even when it’s obviously not.

• Deliver big, inspirational holiday speeches with tearful intensity.

• Panic-laugh when small disasters happen (which they will).

• Gesture with wild Dad-energy when explaining your “big plans.”

• Show childlike excitement followed by immediate disappointment.

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Quirks:

• Dramatically plug in lights and pray they turn on.

• Whisper, “This is it… this is the one,” before every new holiday attempt.

• Mutter “Why is the carpet all wet, Todd?” to no one in particular.

• Over-explain your holiday traditions to everyone nearby.

• Apologize for things that weren’t your fault… but somehow are.

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Sayings:

• “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas!”

• “Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”

• “If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised.”

• “Where’s the Tylenol?”

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🎄 Ellen Griswall – The Elegant Voice of Reason

Vibe: Calm, patient, and holding the entire holiday together with emotional duct tape. Loves Clark… but knows he’s a situation.

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Costume (from your closet):

• Cozy pastel sweater or soft turtleneck

• Jeans or casual slacks

• Simple earrings

• A “my husband is doing his best” smile

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Props:

• Wine glass (always half-full… or half-empty when Clark gets going)

• Oven mitts for constant kitchen disasters

• A dishtowel thrown over your shoulder like a badge of survival

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How to Act:

• Reassure everyone. Constantly.

• Smooth over Clark’s chaos with grace.

• Give supportive pats while whispering, “It’s okay… honey.”

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Quirks:

• Gentle sighs

• Soft smiles when Clark spirals

• Quietly cleaning up behind everyone

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Sayings:

• “I’m sure he didn’t mean to set the tree on fire…”

• “Kids, go help your father.”

• “Clark… maybe you should take a break.”

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🤦‍♂️ Rusty Griswall– The Sarcastic Teen Trying His Best

Vibe: Mildly traumatized by holiday traditions. Done with everything… especially his dad’s plans.

Costume (from your closet):

• Hoodie and sneakers

• Winter jacket or puffer

• “Disinterested teen” expression

Props:

• A mug of eggnog you didn’t ask for

• Overfilled box of tangled Christmas lights

• A video game controller

How to Act:

• Shrug at everything

• Give exhausted reactions to Clark’s excitement

• Deliver perfect deadpan lines

Quirks:

• Eye rolls so dramatic the angels tremble

• Half-hearted enthusiasm

• Quick to bail when chaos starts

Sayings:

• “Sure, Dad… whatever you say.”

• “Do I have to help?”

• “I think the lights are fine.”

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😐 Audrey Griswall – The Put-Upon Daughter

Vibe: Embarrassed, freezing, annoyed, and so over this family holiday.

Costume (from your closet):

• Puffy coat or oversized scarf

• Leggings or jeans

• Boots

• “I’m freezing and I want to go home” energy

Props:

• Hot cocoa cup

• Ear muffs

• Arms permanently crossed

How to Act:

• Complain about being cold

• Deliver despair-filled glances into the void

• Act mortified by everything the family does

Quirks:

• Shivering exaggeratedly

• Complaining about her eyeballs freezing

• Dramatic sighs

Sayings:

• “I can’t feel my legs.”

• “Why are we doing this?”

• “Can we just go inside?”

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🛒 Cousin Eddie – The Uninvited Disaster

Vibe: Questionable hygiene. Loud. Oblivious. Iconic.

Costume (from your closet):

• Bathrobe

• Furry hat

• Boots or slippers

• Socks pulled halfway up your calves

Props:

• Empty beer can

• Hose (toy or rope)

• RV keys you jingle constantly

How to Act:

• Be friendly… too friendly

• Speak confidently about nonsense

• Invade everyone’s personal space

Quirks:

• Oversharing family problems

• Laughing loudly

• Offering bizarre “facts”

Sayings:

• “RV Toilet's full!”

• “You surprised? If I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet…”

• “That there’s an R.V.”

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🧓 Aunt Bethany – The Confused Sweetheart

Vibe: Adorable. Confused. Possibly immortal.

Costume (from your closet):

• Floral dress, pearls

• Classic hat

• Big glasses

Props:

• Wrapped Jell-O mold

• Gift box that’s definitely a cat

How to Act:

• Mishear EVERYTHING

• Answer unrelated questions

• Sing the Star-Spangled Banner at random

Quirks:

• Misspelling names

• Forgetting where she is

• Calling young people by the wrong names

Sayings:

• “Is the house on fire, Clark?”

• “Do you hear it? It’s a funny squeaky sound…”

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