Let the Games Begin!

Christmas is over. The New Year is here. It seems as though it’s finally time for things to settle down. Now that parties with your friends are over, exams are behind you, and routine is becoming, well, routine again, gather your family, and settle in for an evening at home.

One great way for families to spend time together, without the formality of pressured conversation, is by playing a game. There are literally hundreds to choose from. Not only do you have the classic board games––Monopoly, Life, Scrabble––but you also have some of the more recently popular “party” games––Taboo, Scattergories, Cranium. And this plethora of game choices doesn’t even begin to include all the card games that are available. You can purchase, if you don’t already have, many fun card games, such as Phase 10, Uno, and Skip-Bo. Or you can use a classic deck, or two, of cards for dozens of other games, such as Hearts, Spades, and my all-time favorite, Spoons.

To set up a family game night, choose a night when all family members will be home, and when everyone can put aside all major responsibilities, such as writing reports or studying for a test. While this may be difficult to accomplish, it is necessary in providing a stress-free, undistracted evening of fun and games.

Remember to keep it light. The idea is to enjoy each other’s company, not to be the best at a certain game, so choose games that will make your family laugh together. Gather some games and ideas that can include, in some way, each member, regardless of age or ability. There are some all-ages games that don’t require many supplies, like charades, or pictionary. You can also research online to find many variations of card games if you do not have access to an abundance of board and party games. Start the evening by throwing on some pj’s or other comfy clothes. Keep dinner simple––order a pizza, or better yet, make one as a family. Set out some snacks to enjoy while playing, and let the fun begin!

Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”

By Lisa Grimenstein

Comments

  1. I really like this column! Would it be cool if I made a suggestion? I was just going to say that some people don’t like board/card games. Maybe, families would have a better time playing the wii or something.

  2. Mattie, that might work well for small families! People in larger families, however, would spend most of the game night waiting for their turn to play, so it wouldn’t work out as well for them. The idea of family game night is for the entire family to play and be involved with each other, which is difficult to do if some family members are playing a game, and some aren’t 🙂

  3. My family loves family game night! There are only four of us, so we have the right number of people to easy play almost any game. Some we like are the Da Vinci Challenge (has nothing to do with the movie), Rook, Rummikub, and Clue.

    I hope we can have one again soon. Thanks for the article!

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