Get Your Game on!

As far back as I can remember, playing games with the family was a highlight of our holidays. We’d stay up until the wee hours of the morning, laughing, teasing and playing until our competitive streaks were either satiated by winning or too exhausted to continue. We made memories that have lasted a lifetime and are now introducing a new generation of grandkids, nieces and nephews to the fun of board and card games.


This holiday season, start your own tradition – turn off the TV, Wiis, iPhones and other techno gadgets and have some old-fashioned family fun. Along with classics such as Monopoly, Phase 10, Uno and Scrabble, pick up some newer games the whole family will enjoy.

A popular favorite, Settlers of Catan is a constantly- changing strategy game where players collect resources and use them to trade and build settlements, cities and roads. It’s an award-winning game that’s been a best seller in the United State and America and is suitable for three to four players, ages 10 and up.

For fast-paced fun reminiscent of hot potato, pick up the electronic version of Catch Phrase. You only have a few seconds to describe the word on the screen, get your teammates to guess correctly and hand it off to the next player. If the buzzer goes off and you’re still holding it, you lose! It’s hilarious fun and perfect for large groups.

Quick! What adjective describes a high school reunion? Is it painful, awkward? Apples to Apples provides hours of fun as a card game with hilarious comparisons. The “judge” picks a card with a noun and players pick their own cards that best describe the noun. If the judge picks your card, you win the round! From just plain funny to outrageous, you never know what may happen!

For more fun games, check out Quiddler, Dutch Blitz, Blockus, Loaded Questions, Cranium and Buzzword.