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.

• If you forget your lines, just say:

  “Sorry, frostbite got my brain again.”

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