Last-Minute ChoppingLast-Minute Chopping | Art by Marta Nael

The holidays mean many things to many different people, whether you associate the holidays with food, or the gathering of loved ones, or something else. For me, I've always associated the holidays with playing games. When it comes to the game of Magic, nothing fits the holidays more than the Gruul color combination. The red fits with the Christmas icon of Santa Claus, and the green represents Christmas trees.

However, this year I wanted to change things up. If you would also like a slightly different experience this holiday season, let me show you some Christmas-time Commanders that aren't Gruul.

The Nice List

Hylda of the Icy CrownHylda of the Icy Crown

The first one on the list should take you back to those times when the outside seems frozen in place. Where everything crunches beneath your feet, and there is certainly a chill in the air. Not only is Hylda of the Icy CrownHylda of the Icy Crown a great representation of the holiday season, but they come with some great headgear.

Hylda's Crown of WinterHylda's Crown of Winter combines perfectly to set up the effects of Hylda herself. Drawing a card for each tapped creature your opponents control is a great way to gain massive card advantage.

Playing Hylda will also allow you to constantly tell the table one of the best lines from the cinematic classic Batman & Robin. Reminding them, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, it's "Ice to meet you."

General JarkeldGeneral Jarkeld

A mono-white legend from way back in Ice Age. There's nothing that screams Christmas more than that. In reality, the art on this card makes it look like Santa is doing something other than spreading holiday cheer. Plus, with a name like General JarkeldGeneral Jarkeld, how could they not come from some old-timey mountain town that someone only comes across in the dead of winter?

Nothing makes for a better Hallmark movie than one starring someone from the big city and General Jarkeld teaming up to save Christmas. Sadly, General Jarkeld would undoubtedly be the villain in that Hallmark classic, bent on turning the quiet mountain town into a manufacturing complex.

Nardole, Resourceful CyborgNardole, Resourceful Cyborg

I don't know much about Doctor Who, but I do know that Nardole, Resourceful CyborgNardole, Resourceful Cyborg is a Christmas card. Every house should be greeted by a caroling cyborg for the holidays, in my humble opinion. Nardole does not come alone; as a doctor's companion, they can bring along someone else to share the holiday cheer.

Since I lack the knowledge of who would make the correct canonical choice, going off of the art The Fourth DoctorThe Fourth Doctor seems to be the most well-dressed for cold weather. After doing some research, I will also allow The Twelfth DoctorThe Twelfth Doctor to be invited to the Christmas party as they're the doctor connected to Nardole.

Rasputin, the OneiromancerRasputin, the Oneiromancer

Similar to General Jarkeld, we have another bearded old man in a winter setting. Rasputin, the OneiromancerRasputin, the Oneiromancer, however, deals with one crucial aspect of the holidays that no one else touches on: dreaming. They say that "he sees you when you're sleeping," and when you're sleeping is when you're dreaming.

As an oneiromancer, someone who interprets dreams, they'll know exactly what you're hoping to open up on Christmas morning.

Sydri, Galvanic GeniusSydri, Galvanic Genius

What are the holidays without gifts? Most people would say slightly less magical. When you're younger, gifts are usually toys, and those toys are made in a workshop. Enter Sydri, Galvanic GeniusSydri, Galvanic Genius as someone hard at work tinkering with what are hopefully toys. The possible things that they could be building are endless.

Maybe they're making Squee's ToySquee's Toy or maybe someone asked for a Toy BoatToy Boat for Christmas. Possibly, you need to win a game for the first time in a long time, so you ask someone to bring you an Aetherflux ReservoirAetherflux Reservoir that Sydri has built with lifelink.

Sydri doesn't make any toys with batteries included.

Syr Ginger, the Meal EnderSyr Ginger, the Meal Ender

Outside of Hylda, this is the most Christmas-time legendary creature out there. Syr Ginger, the Meal EnderSyr Ginger, the Meal Ender the sentient gingerbread cookie. Their quest for revenge might mess up the flavor profile of what might not be everyone's favorite holiday treat. But there's no doubt that Christmas and cookies go hand in hand.

As long as they don't turn into a GingerbruteGingerbrute if they open a bad gift, everyone will be invited back to the Gingerbread CabinGingerbread Cabin for the holidays next year.

Isu the AbominableIsu the Abominable

Not a snowman, but Isu is still abominable. Isu the AbominableIsu the Abominable is the snowiest of any commander on this list. From snow lands such as Arctic TreelineArctic Treeline to snow spells in Arcum's AstrolabeArcum's Astrolabe and ChillerpillarChillerpillar, all of these can come right off the top of the deck with Isu. Having the freedom to play your cards right from the top of the deck is an underrated effect, and more decks out there should think about embracing their own Future SightFuture Sight effects.

Unfortunately, SkredSkred is not allowed based on color identity restrictions. Anyone playing Isu will have to make do by winning with Dark DepthsDark Depths and Diamond FaerieDiamond Faerie instead.

Zedruu the GreatheartedZedruu the Greathearted

Big holidays are the times of big hearts. I doubt there are many legends with a bigger heart than Zedruu the GreatheartedZedruu the Greathearted. A perfect holiday card that shows your friends that sharing is caring. As everyone knows, it feels better to give than to receive.

So gather around the table, light the fire, and let me give you a Steel GolemSteel Golem or maybe a ModerationModeration so that you don't consume too many Christmas cookies. Perhaps you're a fan of Christmas music, and Silent ArbiterSilent Arbiter is more your speed for the night. I might not understand this holiday. I thought all of these were a Harmless OfferingHarmless Offering.

Lulu, Loyal HollyphantLulu, Loyal Hollyphant

Finishing the theme of gift-giving during the holidays is Lulu, Loyal HollyphantLulu, Loyal Hollyphant. Maybe you're wondering why this card would make the list when it has no ties to ice or snow in the art and doesn't resemble Old Saint Nick in the slightest. Well, it's because Lulu is a white elephant. White elephant is the name of the mystery gift-giving game some partake in during Christmas parties.

I would advise against giving away this White Elephant gift, as you might not find anything better. Since the holiday season brings people together from far and wide, might I suggest pairing Lulu with the Far TravelerFar Traveler background? A classic to end the season on with good old-fashioned mono-white blink.

The Naughty List

If you're the type who ends up with coal in your stocking more often than not, maybe this Rule Zero bonus option is more your style.

Uncle IstvanUncle Istvan & Grandmother SengirGrandmother Sengir

This one will have to be discussed with the playgroup, but once they understand the reasoning, it should be no issue. Whether it's family by blood or a found family, the holidays often mean spending time with them. Who better to stand in for the family than Magic's own Uncle IstvanUncle Istvan and Grandmother SengirGrandmother Sengir?

The best part about these two is that they can be any style of Uncle and Grandmother you want. The fun uncle that everyone loves to have around, or the one that you hope to avoid in a one-on-one kitchen conversation. The grandmother who gives the best gifts and bakes the best cookies, or the one who's just there to judge everyone from the corner. The choice is yours.

Wrap Up

Just as there're many ways to celebrate the holidays, there're many ways to build a Commander deck. However you choose to do so, I hope that you don't suffer too many Season's BeatingsSeason's Beatings in your Commander games. May you Snow MercySnow Mercy on the table, and as long as there're no Bog HumbugsBog Humbugs, everyone should be able to enjoy some Fruitcake ElementalFruitcake Elemental.

Enjoy the holidays, and I hope that you have a fantastic start to 2026.