<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Last-Minute Chopping" href="#" target="_blank">Last-Minute Chopping</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CMarta+Nael%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marta Nael</a></em></p>
<p>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 <em>Magic,</em> nothing fits the holidays more than the Gruul <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> color combination. The red fits with the Christmas icon of Santa Claus, and the green represents Christmas trees.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>The Nice List</h2>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hylda of the Icy Crown" href="#" target="_blank">Hylda of the Icy Crown</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hylda of the Icy Crown"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hylda&#039;s Crown of Winter"></div></div>
<p>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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hylda of the Icy Crown" href="#" target="_blank">Hylda of the Icy Crown</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> a great representation of the holiday season, but they come with some great headgear.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hylda&#039;s Crown of Winter" href="#" target="_blank">Hylda&#039;s Crown of Winter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> 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.</p>
<p>Playing Hylda will also allow you to constantly tell the table one of the best lines from the cinematic classic <em>Batman &amp; Robin</em>. Reminding them, as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, it's "Ice to meet you."</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="General Jarkeld" href="#" target="_blank">General Jarkeld</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="General Jarkeld"></div></div>
<p>A mono-white legend from way back in <em>Ice Age</em>. 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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="General Jarkeld" href="#" target="_blank">General Jarkeld</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, how could they not come from some old-timey mountain town that someone only comes across in the dead of winter?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nardole, Resourceful Cyborg" href="#" target="_blank">Nardole, Resourceful Cyborg</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nardole, Resourceful Cyborg"></div></div>
<p>I don't know much about <em>Doctor Who</em>, but I do know that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nardole, Resourceful Cyborg" href="#" target="_blank">Nardole, Resourceful Cyborg</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> 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.</p>
<p>Since I lack the knowledge of who would make the correct canonical choice, going off of the art <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Fourth Doctor" href="#" target="_blank">The Fourth Doctor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems to be the most well-dressed for cold weather. After doing some research, I will also allow <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Twelfth Doctor" href="#" target="_blank">The Twelfth Doctor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to be invited to the Christmas party as they're the doctor connected to Nardole.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rasputin, the Oneiromancer" href="#" target="_blank">Rasputin, the Oneiromancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rasputin, the Oneiromancer"></div></div>
<p>Similar to General Jarkeld, we have another bearded old man in a winter setting. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rasputin, the Oneiromancer" href="#" target="_blank">Rasputin, the Oneiromancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 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.</p>
<p>As an oneiromancer, someone who interprets dreams, they'll know exactly what you're hoping to open up on Christmas morning.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sydri, Galvanic Genius" href="#" target="_blank">Sydri, Galvanic Genius</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sydri, Galvanic Genius"></div></div>
<p>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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sydri, Galvanic Genius" href="#" target="_blank">Sydri, Galvanic Genius</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as someone hard at work tinkering with what are hopefully toys. The possible things that they could be building are endless.</p>
<p>Maybe they're making <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Squee&#039;s Toy" href="#" target="_blank">Squee&#039;s Toy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or maybe someone asked for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toy Boat" href="#" target="_blank">Toy Boat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> 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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that Sydri has built with lifelink.</p>
<p>Sydri doesn't make any toys with batteries included.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender"></div></div>
<p>Outside of Hylda, this is the most Christmas-time legendary creature out there. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender" href="#" target="_blank">Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> 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.</p>
<p>As long as they don't turn into a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gingerbrute" href="#" target="_blank">Gingerbrute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> if they open a bad gift, everyone will be invited back to the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gingerbread Cabin" href="#" target="_blank">Gingerbread Cabin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the holidays next year.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isu the Abominable" href="#" target="_blank">Isu the Abominable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Isu the Abominable"></div></div>
<p>Not a snowman, but Isu is still abominable. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isu the Abominable" href="#" target="_blank">Isu the Abominable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the snowiest of any commander on this list. From snow lands such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arctic Treeline" href="#" target="_blank">Arctic Treeline</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to snow spells in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcum&#039;s Astrolabe" href="#" target="_blank">Arcum&#039;s Astrolabe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chillerpillar" href="#" target="_blank">Chillerpillar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Future Sight" href="#" target="_blank">Future Sight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skred" href="#" target="_blank">Skred</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not allowed based on color identity restrictions. Anyone playing Isu will have to make do by winning with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Diamond Faerie" href="#" target="_blank">Diamond Faerie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> instead.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zedruu the Greathearted" href="#" target="_blank">Zedruu the Greathearted</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zedruu the Greathearted"></div></div>
<p>Big holidays are the times of big hearts. I doubt there are many legends with a bigger heart than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zedruu the Greathearted" href="#" target="_blank">Zedruu the Greathearted</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. A perfect holiday card that shows your friends that sharing is caring. As everyone knows, it feels better to give than to receive.</p>
<p>So gather around the table, light the fire, and let me give you a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steel Golem" href="#" target="_blank">Steel Golem</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or maybe a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Moderation" href="#" target="_blank">Moderation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so that you don't consume too many Christmas cookies. Perhaps you're a fan of Christmas music, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silent Arbiter" href="#" target="_blank">Silent Arbiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is more your speed for the night. I might not understand this holiday. I thought all of these were a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harmless Offering" href="#" target="_blank">Harmless Offering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lulu, Loyal Hollyphant" href="#" target="_blank">Lulu, Loyal Hollyphant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lulu, Loyal Hollyphant"></div></div>
<p>Finishing the theme of gift-giving during the holidays is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lulu, Loyal Hollyphant" href="#" target="_blank">Lulu, Loyal Hollyphant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. 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.</p>
<p>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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Far Traveler" href="#" target="_blank">Far Traveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> background? A classic to end the season on with good old-fashioned mono-white blink.</p>
<h2>The Naughty List</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Uncle Istvan" href="#" target="_blank">Uncle Istvan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> &amp; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grandmother Sengir" href="#" target="_blank">Grandmother Sengir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Uncle Istvan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grandmother Sengir"></div></div>
<p>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 <em>Magic's </em>own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Uncle Istvan" href="#" target="_blank">Uncle Istvan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grandmother Sengir" href="#" target="_blank">Grandmother Sengir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>?</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Wrap Up</h2>
<p>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 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Season&#039;s Beatings" href="#" target="_blank">Season&#039;s Beatings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in your Commander games. May you <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snow Mercy" href="#" target="_blank">Snow Mercy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on the table, and as long as there're no <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bog Humbugs" href="#" target="_blank">Bog Humbugs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, everyone should be able to enjoy some <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fruitcake Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Fruitcake Elemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Enjoy the holidays, and I hope that you have a fantastic start to 2026.</p>


christmas commander

Christmas-Time Commanders That Aren't Gruul