Liz Chroback of Denver hosts annual ornament exchange parties.   A guest selects ornaments at one of Chroback’s ornament exchange parties.

It may be the season of giving, but some of the fun can come from stealing, too – if you’re at the right kind of party.

If you’re looking for an easy holiday party alternative, an ornament exchange can be a great way to bring together friends and neighbors.

The rules work this way: Everyone brings a wrapped ornament. Participants draw numbers. As their turn comes, they either select a wrapped ornament – or take one from someone who’s already opened theirs, forcing them to choose another.

Liz Chroback of Denver started an ornament exchange four years ago when she moved into the Westport Peninsula subdivision, as a way to get to know her new neighbors. She had participated in one in her old neighborhood, where cookie exchanges got the boot after the group grew too big to enjoy swapping dozens and dozens and dozens of cookies.

“(Now) it’s about catching up with each other,” says Chroback. Her invitees include teachers, a principal, a piano teacher, moms and grandmothers, and a pharmacist. “Everyone lives on the run, and this is just an easy, fun night out.”

Her tradition includes a platter of gold gift bags containing a treat along with a numbered piece of paper. After guests claim their bags, they gather in a large circle in her cozy den, make introductions – and then the exchange begins.

Each glittering silver star, whimsical martini glass or handcrafted wooden reindeer elicits appreciative “oohs” and “aahs.” Guests aim to bring ornaments attractive enough to be targeted for stealing – which is, of course, the fun behind the game.

“I always want to buy an ornament that people fight for,” Chroback says.

That the exclamations of delight are often replaced with lighthearted sighs of woe when one is stolen doesn’t dampen the spirits. That’s because the next one selected might be better.

Sometimes, an opened ornament is quickly hidden in jest by its new owner in hopes that it won’t be taken by someone with a higher number. Some swoop in immediately to swap a desired ornament, while others like to draw out the suspense as they wander from person to person asking to inspect particular ornaments. Obvious relief crosses faces when the threat has passed.

No ornament is safe until it is retired, which means it has been swapped three times.

Chroback’s group has come a long way since that first gathering, which she describes as “benign” because nobody wanted to make anyone mad by taking their ornaments. Not so anymore.

“It just takes that one person to start it,” Chroback says. “You can be the nicest person, but if you want that ornament, you’re going to get it.”

Revenge can be sweet for the lucky holder of No. 1. Because she went first and there wasn’t an ornament to steal at that time, she can take her pick from the entire assortment at the end of the game.

How to Start an Ornament Exchange
Determine the number of people you want to invite.

Set a date and time. Consider planning the exchange on a weeknight rather than the weekend.

Determine an ornament price limit, such as $10 or $15. Ask that ornaments be wrapped or placed in gift bags. Remember, a modestly wrapped present might hold the most beautiful ornament.

Ask guests to bring a favorite appetizer, dessert or beverage to share.

Have people draw numbers (written on pieces of paper in advance that correspond with the number of people present) from a hat or basket. The person with No. 1 selects an ornament first. The person with No. 2 can swipe the ornament from No. 1 or pick from the pile. If No. 1’s ornament is taken, that person must select from the pile. The game continues in this manner until the last number has gone. At the end of the game, No. 1 has the opportunity to steal if she doesn’t want to keep her ornament. If an ornament is stolen three times, it is “retired” and can no longer be stolen.