Crime at Christmastime
Facts of the case
Guest Info
More on who is coming to the party and how you are all related…
“Accident” Now Deemed Crime
We were hopeful that the reindeer responsible for Daffy’s tragic accident last week would step forward and take responsibility for their part in this unfortunate incident. Regrettably, this has not happened, forcing this accident to be classified as a crime and a formal investigation to ensue. If you have any information to report, please do so to Jingle, who will be handling all of the details of this inquisition.
Thank you.
Eggnog Prohibited
Until further notice, due to its disorienting effects, North Pole inhabitants are prohibited from drinking eggnog unless specifically approved by Santa.
Thank you,
Jingle
Staff Meeting
Please be sure to be at the Staff Meeting (reindeers and elves alike) next Monday to discuss all the changes that Santa plans to implement in order to make sure the toy production and delivery efficiency increase in order to meet the expanding demand for Christmas toys.
~ SANTA
North Pole Suspects
*** Some characters and character names may vary slightly from those listed below, depending on the version of Ho Ho Homicide you are attending!
Santa Claus—Leader of North Pole Operations. With the changing times, Santa has a lot to do to keep up with the current state of the world AND make sure his legacy lives on untainted.
Mrs. Claus—Santa’s wife. As the matriarch of the North Pole, the Mrs. is worried about some of her husband’s decisions and may have to exert her power to get her way!
Connie Claus—Santa’s daughter. Connie is the heir apparent but someone without a lot of Christmas Spirit in her heart. Will her spoiled attitude ruin her chances to inherit the kingdom and legacy her father has built?
Kris Krangle—Santa’s protégé. Hand-picked to marry Santa’s daughter and take over North Pole operations, Kris is filled with kindness, generosity and a business sense worthy of running the North Pole. The only thing Kris is missing is the affection of Connie.
Jingle—Head elf. Groomed from adolescence to be Santa’s right-hand man, Jingle oversees every aspect of the North Pole operations and events. He is the elf the others answer to.
Jangle—Elf. In charge of toy-designing, Jangle has a knack for making plans that some may see as outdated. Is Jangle’s time in the workshop up or is there another reason for the lacking toy production?
Snappy—Elf. As Santa’s official list maker, Snappy is responsible for reading the correspondence that comes in and goes out of the North Pole. There is rarely a request that Snappy has not heard… until this year.
Spanky—Elf. While children around the world are familiar with Santa’s “naughty and nice” list, few realize that Spanky also makes an identical list for the inhabitants of the North Pole. Spanky will take charge if anyone steps out of line.
Bouncy—Elf. In charge of the reindeer, Bouncy is allowed to care for the animals, but that is where their decisions end.
Blinky—Elf. While Blinky considers himself the hardest working elf in the factory, there are others who would tell you different. It is hard to tell if Blinky’s diligent behavior is intended to help boost toy production or aimed at his goal of becoming the next ‘head elf’.
Ivy—Elf. Filled with a vengeance, Ivy has vowed to find the reindeer who ran over her husband and make them pay for his pain.
Holly—Elf. As Jingle’s main squeeze, Holly has used her position to her advantage—even when it angers others.
Sparky—Elf. Tired of always being a worker-elf, Sparky is ready to use their wits and resources to promote their position.
Rudolph—Reindeer. With his position on the sleigh guaranteed, Rudolph has not been living up to his potential and testing his boundaries.
Dasher—Reindeer. As the fastest reindeer, Dasher’s speed prevents him from being removed from the sleigh team… unless he is found guilty of something terrible!
Cupid—Reindeer. The belle of the barn, Cupid is a sucker for true love and appears to be more worried about her beau’s position on the sleigh than her own.
Vixen—Reindeer. Smitten by power and intrigued by position, Vixen will do anything to remain Rudolph’s girlfriend… as long as he remains on the sleigh team.
Blitzen—Reindeer. A committed team player, Blitzen simply wants to see the sleigh team get faster to ease Santa’s worries.
Dusty—Reindeer. With his sights set on joining Santa’s sleigh team, Dusty has worked hard to prove himself a worthy reindeer. However, it will take an opening on the sleigh for Dusty to be in!
Holiday Wishes—North Pole postmaster. In charge of communications, Holiday often uses their position to collect data as well as deliver it.
WHERE THE NORTH POLE CAME FROM
Thomas Nast established Santa’s workshop and official residence at the North Pole in four different drawings between 1879 and 1886. On January 4, 1879, Harper’s Weekly published “A Christmas Post,” showing a girl putting a letter in the mailbox, addressed to St. Claus, North Pole. The sketch titled “The Shine of Saint Nicholas” published on December 31, 1882, showed good children at the North Pole; Santa was seated on a box with the inscription “Saint Nicholas, North Pole.” Harper’s Weekly on December 19, 1885 published “Santa Claus’s Route,” a sketch showing two children looking at a map of the world and tracking Santa’s journey from the North Pole to the United States.
Finally, in “Santa Claus and His Works,” printed in Harper’s Weekly in 1886, Nast showed Santa and his workshop at Santa Claussville, North Pole. In 1869, American writer George P. Webster published Santa Claus and His Works and took up this idea, explaining that Santa’s toy factory and “his house, during the long summer months, was hidden in the ice and snow of the North Pole”. Although his name did not appear on the cover, the seven color illustrations were provided by Nast, who gave us a look at the red and white suit of Santa. Many of the illustrations in the book were colorized expansions of the woodcuts from Harper’s Weekly.
***The other ‘north pole’ story…
Children naturally wanted to know where Santa Claus actually came from. Where did he live when he wasn’t delivering presents? Those questions gave rise to the legend that Santa Claus lived at the North Pole, where his Christmas-gift workshop was also located.
In 1925, since grazing reindeer would not be possible at the North Pole, newspapers revealed that Santa Claus, in fact, lived in Finnish Lapland. “Uncle Markus”, Markus Rautio, who compared the popular “Children’s hour” on Finnish public radio, revealed the great secret for the first time in 1927: Santa Claus lives on Lapland’s Korvatunturi – “Ear Fell”
The fell, which is situated directly on Finland’s eastern frontier, somewhat resembles a hare’s ears – which are in fact Santa Claus’s ears, with which he listens to hear if the world’s children are being nice. Santa has the assistance of a busy group of elves, who have quite their own history in Scandinavian legend.
Over the centuries, customs from different parts of the Northern Hemisphere thus came together and created the whole world’s Santa Claus – the ageless, timeless, deathless white-bearded man who gives out gifts on Christmas and always returns to Korvatunturi in Finnish Lapland.
Since the 1950s, Santa has happily sojourned at Napapiiri, near Rovaniemi, at times other than Christmas, to meet children and the young at heart. By 1985 his visits to Napapiiri had become so regular that he established his own Santa Claus Office there. He comes there every day of the year to hear what children want for Christmas and to talk with children who have arrived from around the world. Santa Claus Village is also the location of Santa’s main Post Office, which receives children’s letters from the four corners of the world.
Costumes
Costume Gallery
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WHAT TO WEAR:
- Anything to show wealth –
- gold cane
- expensive jewelry
- mink stolls
- fur coats
- feather boas
- watch piece
- Suit with jacket
- Bow tie
- Top hat
- Money tucked into places, like lapel, hatband, etc.
- Cuff links
- Ball gowns
- A cane
ADD TO ANY OUTFIT:
- Boas
- Wigs (think any variety)
- Facial hair
- BLING!
- Gold or silver accessories of any type
- Fancy headress
- Cigarette extension holders
- Props of any sort!
- LARGE hats
- Fake eyelashes
- Fake breasts
- A fake weapon of some sort – exposed or not
Decoration Ideas
How to deck out your Mystery Manor for the Memorial.
Setting the Scene
Creating Your Entrance
Creating Your Entrance
RED CARPET: Have a red carpet runner leading up to the entrance.
HOLLYWOOD: Have a Hollywood sign out front since, being in Bel Air, you are only steps from Hollywood.
WELCOME SIGN: Have a sign for the holiday bash printed (included in mystery!)
Holiday Wreaths with a Twist: Hang a wreath on the door but incorporate elements like masks, magnifying glasses, or faux feathers. You can also use dark red roses and black ribbons to give it an elegant, mysterious touch.
Velvet Drapes: Hang thick, heavy velvet curtains at the entrance. Guests will feel like they’re entering a different world as they pass through.
Inside Your Party Space
Inside the Party Space
Champagne Greeting: Have servers in period costumes greet guests with champagne or a themed drink as they arrive.
Holiday Spirit: Decorate your space with fancy holiday decorations. The more sparkly and intriguing the better!
“Mystery-up” Your Holiday Decor:
- Deck your tree with these weapons ornaments – designs and instructions on how to make them included with the mystery!
- Tie big, holiday bows around weapons and use them as centerpieces or other decor.
- Work some weapons into your favorite holiday wreath.
- Make Santa a super sleuth, by dressing him up with a Sherlock cape or/or hat.
Signs of the Times: Add a bit of mystery with these signs – included with mystery purchase.
Stockings: Hang stockings that say Regina and Benjamin (or Reggie), depending on who your host/s are.
Classy Fireplace Setting: If there’s a fireplace, set it alight and place antique-looking tools beside it. Hang stockings with names (see above), and inside each, place a small mystery-related prop, like a weapon!
Or, use it to display all of your guest’s info for the night!
GLAM IT UP! Glam up the inside with a can of gold or silver spray paint. Paint wine bottles, candlesticks, old vases (and add flowers – fake or real), etc. to make it fancy!
Grand Chandelier with a Twist: Replace some chandelier bulbs with colored ones (like deep purples or reds) to cast a mysterious glow. Hang subtle, crystal ornaments or mini masks from the chandelier.
Projection: Use a projector to display old mystery movies or scenes (like from Hitchcock films) silently on a wall for ambiance.
Awards Show! If you are having awards at the end of the night, create a display so that your guests can see them as they walk in and/or throughout the night. A great way to create the buzz
Light it Up!
- – Buy a couple of sets of Christmas lights and string them along the walls. Turn off the room lights to create a cozy atmosphere.
– Put the lights in an old wine jug and have them illuminate the room.
– Put the lights underneath a sheer, shimmering or white tablecloth to give it an extra effect!
- Ornament Hang Up. Let the ceiling be the decorative focal point of the party. Using fishing line cut in various lengths, hang simple ball ornaments around the room. You could also arrange bunches from light fixtures for a cool chandelier effect. Use brightly colored ornaments or buy clear glass ones and make your own.
- Buy Inexpensive and shiny ornaments in large quantities and use them to decorate the space. Place them in large bowls as centerpieces, scattered on the floor, placed on random surfaces and hung from the ceilings. By purchasing in large amounts, you will save on costs and have enough ornaments to pull the theme through your entire party space!
- Tree Trimming. Ask everyone to bring one hugely tacky ornament, and have a contest to see who brings the worst one. Have your guests decorate your tree while you are there.
- Spray paint old bottles to create this winter wonderland centerpiece! Find out how here.
- Wrap large boxes with Christmas paper and large bows. Set out around the party space.
Setting Your Table
Setting Your Table
No matter what you do, you can really pull through the theme, simply in how you set your dinner or food tab
Some ideas to help you with your table:
• Find old Christmas fabric, tablecloths, etc.
• Use Christmas wrapping paper to create a backdrop for your table, placemats, table runner, even a tablecloth!
• Search out inexpensive Christmas decorations at your local dollar store.
• Use red and green colored paper/plastic plates — much more inexpensive than plastic or patterned plates and gives the same, festive effect!
• Find large quantities of ornaments and use them as centerpieces (see above). By purchasing in quantity, you will cut down on the price and have enough to scatter throughout your party venue and pull together your theme!
• Purchase one swatch of festive fabric, cut into strips and use as napkin bows.
• Use festive holiday ribbon to tie your silverware together in lieu of napkin rings!
• Spray paint old wine bottles and other bottles red, green, white and silver for centerpieces.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO SERVE, you can put it in a customized menu and/or table tents to let your guests know! (Editable menu design and table tents come with mystery purchase.)
Lighting
Lighting
For a Bel-Air or fancy holiday party, lighting plays a significant role in creating an ambiance that exudes luxury and elegance. Here are some lighting tips to enhance the atmosphere:
- Chandeliers and Statement Fixtures:
- Opt for grand chandeliers or ornate lighting fixtures as the focal points in key areas like the entryway, dining room, or main gathering space. They add a touch of opulence and set the tone for the event.
- Warm and Soft Illumination:
- Use warm-colored bulbs or LED lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh or overly bright lighting; instead, aim for softer illumination that adds warmth and comfort.
- Candlelight Elegance:
- Incorporate candles strategically throughout the space, particularly on dining tables, mantels, and side tables. They contribute to a sophisticated and intimate ambiance.
- Accent Lighting:
- Use accent lighting to highlight architectural details, artwork, or specific decorations. This can be achieved through spotlights, uplighting, or wall sconces, drawing attention to focal points in the room.
- Dimmer Switches:
- Install dimmer switches to control the brightness levels of various light fixtures. This allows for flexibility in setting different moods throughout the event, from vibrant and lively to subdued and elegant.
- Festive Lighting Décor:
- Incorporate holiday-themed lighting decor such as string lights, fairy lights, or elegant light curtains to add a festive touch to the space. Use these sparingly and tastefully to maintain the sophistication of the setting.
- Well-Placed Lamps:
- Place decorative table lamps or floor lamps strategically in corners or near seating areas to create cozy nooks and add an extra layer of ambient lighting.
- Outdoor Illumination:
- If hosting an outdoor event or if your space has an outdoor area, consider decorative lighting for pathways, trees, or landscaping. This creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Highlighting Décor Elements:
- Use lighting to accentuate your holiday decorations, whether it’s a beautifully decorated tree, festive centerpieces, or thematic displays. Proper lighting can make these elements stand out.
- Professional Lighting Design:
- If the budget allows, consider consulting with a professional lighting designer or decorator to create a bespoke lighting plan tailored to your space and the specific ambiance you wish to achieve.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between various lighting elements to create an inviting, festive, and luxurious atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Experiment with different combinations during the setup to ensure a cohesive and captivating lighting scheme for your Bel-Air or fancy holiday party.
Creating Your Photo Spot
Creating Your Photo Spot
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra wigs, top hats, bowler hats, mustaches, sherlock hats, magnifying classes, feather boas, etc.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
Utilizing the Extras
Utilizing the Extras
Whatever you decide on; BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —
These are one-of-a-kind designs, ideas, templates and more that Night of Mystery has developed to help you throw your own unique and authentic mystery party.
With ordering this mystery, you will find:
- Welcome Sign and Party Posters:
- Print and hang around the party space to add the ambiance
- Suspect Boad
- Enter your own party date.
- Print out and back on a card stock or foam core.
- Use to take mug shots of your guests when arriving.
- Consider making your photo spot to take your mug shots and/or other party photos. Type in CrimeAtChristmastime.com and search decorations ideas for more ideas on creating a photo spot
- Killer Chillers
- Directions on how to create these special blood-rimmed glasses!
- Create Weapon Ornaments
- Print out the weapons and trim.
- Insert into 3 “clear fillable ornaments.” Can be found at your local craft store, or on the internet.
- Hang on your tree or use as ornaments throughout your party space!
- Customizable Menu and Drink Menu
- Enter your dishes into the editable fields, print out and hang!
- To get the font to match, download and install the front Belymon Script. You can find it by searching by for “free font download download Belymon Script” on the internet.
- For more menu planning tips, click on the “party tips” tab in the Crime at Christmastime section of nightofmystery.com or go to CrimeAtChristmastime.com.
- Food Table Tents
- Enter your dishes into the editable fields.
- Print out onto carstock or thicker paper.
- Using the back of scissors, score on teh red lines.
- Using exacto knife or scissors trim out the table tents.
- To get the font to match, download and install the font Haunt AOE. You can find it by searching for “free font download Belymon Script” on the internet.
- For more menu planning tips, click on the “party tips” tab in the Crime at Christmastime section of nightofmystery.com or go to CrimeAtChristmastime.com.
- Wine Labels Awards
- Print out labels and trim.
- Adhere to bottles (alcoholic, non non and/or wine bottles) as award for the winners at your party.
AND MORE!!!
Setting the Scene
Food & Drinks
Food
What to serve
HORS D’OEUVRES GALORE!
Try this website for a number of festive party appetizers. These recipes are quick and easy to make, which works out perfectly for the busiest season of all. You can also find a number of appetizers that are red & green to add to the festiveness!
A Fancy Feast
If serving an elegant Bel Air affair, you can consider serving some of the finest food from elegant hors d’oeuvres to a delectable dinner.
Try some of these links for: – Elegant Appetizers – Gourmet Main Dishes – Divine Desserts
BUFFET OR BUST
If serving a meal, consider serving a buffet-style dinner. Buffets allow you the flexibility to plan for appetizers, a full dinner, desserts or any combination of. Additionally, it helps with food serving and allows ample time for your guests to mingle while eating.
• Check out some tips and recipes for making buffets here.
TIPS:
• Pick foods that you can make ahead and are easy to serve.
• Buffet-style dinners do well and cut back on the responsibilities of serving food.
• Appetizers and sweets also do well, since they allow your guests to mingle.
• Whatever you decide, input the food items into the menu (included with the mystery).
Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to
Desserts:
HAVE A TASTY TABLE OF TREATS.
Find recipes here or ask each of your guests to bring their favorite Christmas sweet or cookie.
NOTHING SAYS CHRISTMAS LIKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE.
Make one from scratch or purchase and decorate a premade house!
For a cool twist – and a CHALLENGE! – make it Bel Air Mansion with crime scene tape
Tips for making the perfect MYSTERY-OUS CAKE!
– Make, buy or have made a cake that fits your theme perfectly – then insert a knife, cleaver, dagger, or other weapon into the cake, add handcuffs on top, or string some “caution tape” made of fondant to add the mystery-effect!
-
For extra-added effect, you can give the effect of blood coming from the weapon with either red food gel, red icing, or using strawberry jam which you have heated up, then poured on the cake.
-
If you are doing this, red velvet is a great flavor to accentuate this!
Consider some fancier desserts with a murderous twist – or not!
MYSTERY MAKINGS FOR DESSERT
Have a Tasty Table of Treats
Drinks
Drinks
From hot chocolate an hot apple cider to eggnog and red & green martinis — there is little you can’t do to get your guests in the spirit with a drink — whether they have spirits or not!
• Egg Nog: Find a tasty and/or unique recipe for eggnog here.
• Hot Chocolate: Everything you need to about hot chocolate—how to make it from scratch, different recipes, etc. Find here.
A comprehensive list of Christmas Drink Recipes—Cocktails and Mocktails
Spotify Playlist
Host Information
Creating Your Photo Spot
Creating Your Photo Spot
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra wigs, top hats, bowler hats, mustaches, sherlock hats, magnifying classes, feather boas, etc.
• An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to the frame.
• For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mug shots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures.
• For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
Win a Free Party!
Win a Free Party!
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party,
please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decorations to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Tips
All of the information regarding how to run your Homicide for the Holidays party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download the Crime at Christmastime preview file. Upon reading the introduction file of this holiday murder mystery game, it will give you a better understanding about how the parties are run and what to expect once you purchase a full mystery file.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Since our games are custom written for the size of the party (ie, we don’t just create a mystery with 8 characters and then keep adding more characters to it), each mystery size is unique unto itself. That being said, going from 10-15 version to 15-20 version, will not only add in more characters, but it will change the storylines of the existing characters, and vice-versa in going from a larger version to a smaller one.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
For even more party planning ideas, check out our Crime at Christmastime.
Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party! Included will be:
• EVIDENCE MARKERS
• HOW TO MAKE A TOMBSTONE
• SIGNS
• NAME CARDS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• WINE BOTTLE LABELS (to use as awards!)
AND MORE!!!
• HOW TO MAKE A TOMBSTONE
• SIGNS
• NAME CARDS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• WINE BOTTLE LABELS (to use as awards!)
AND MORE!!!
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs
Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!
