Let Game Night be part of home holiday festivities
Game Night competition can help families strengthen cooperation skills, according to experts.
MetroCreative
Experts say a little competition among family and friends can be a good thing.
Chess, Checkers, video games and others are great fun when played during game night.
MetroCreative
A comfortable home provides a perfect atmosphere to enjoy games with family and friends.
During the holiday season, homeowners can find many opportunities to make Game Night part of their celebrations — whether it’s a quiet night at home or a party with extended family and/or friends.
“It’s friendly competition, and there’s nothing wrong with that,” said Adam Sedlock, Uniontown psychologist and owner of ACS Psychological Associates. “You also learn in a family setting that competition plus cooperation will get good results.”
Easy to play, Game Night can be a bonding experience.
“It can bring people together and make for an interesting time because different people will react differently,” said Sedlock. “It’s a way to establish rapport, feel good about each other and everyone can contribute in some fashion.”
Game Night is easy to set up and inexpensive, especially if the host uses old reliables like Monopoly, Scrabble or Clue that are usually on hand. Don’t forget the classics: playing cards, chess and checkers.
Video games can be fun for those who know them and a new experience for others to try.
And hosts who want their guests to move around can try Twister or charades.
“Make sure the games are within the skill level of who’s playing – that they can physically do it,” Sedlock noted.
That’s good to remember as the holidays are also a time when mixed generations can play together: everyone from grandparents to the smallest child. Including children in family games is always a good idea, even if it means changing some aspects of the game to match their abilities.
“They feel like part of the family,” said Sedlock, of including children. “They feel important.”
The holidays are also a time to try new games. Of course, sometimes a game can prove too difficult for everyone. But it’s okay to give up instead of dealing with frustration.
“You can set it aside and pick out a better one,” said Sedlock. “There’s no harm in that.”
If people prefer different games or the party is very big, participants might want to break up into smaller groups. But playing as teams can help move the game along faster and keep everyone together.
Sedlock noted, “The whole idea behind Game Night is to make a cohesive unit and build camaraderie.”
Having a Game Night can be a way to build relationships.
“We need to do that more often,” said Sedlock.
And that’s especially important during the holidays.
“It’s an excellent time for grandchildren, grandparents, adults to participate in something together,” said Sedlock. “The whole idea of the holidays is to share experiences and Game Night fits right in.”
Some tips for setting up a Game Night at home:
Refreshments are always a welcome part of Game Night. Set out snacks, such as holiday dips and Christmas cookies. Also keep drinks within easy reach by setting up a coffee bar or drink station. Playing games after a holiday meal is always nice with dessert served as part of the experience.
Make sure participants have a place to sit – that can mean bringing out extra chairs or setting up a place on the floor. If playing a game like charades, be sure to clear floor space.
If expecting company, make certain bathrooms are clean and well stocked to accommodate guests. If there’s snow, keep walkways and driveways clear. And when nights are longer, make certain there’s adequate outdoor lighting so guests can easily find their way to the front door.