How are You Going to Spend Christmas Day?
While many of us associate lavish feasts with Christmas Day, whether you typically have a Christmas lunch or dinner or maybe you’re booked for both, often it’s the stuff(ing) in between lunch and dinner that makes for the best moments.
Looking for something to fill in the time? Other than a swim or backyard cricket, why not break out a board game? From the easy to learn, fun group games like Chameleon to the captivating strategy games like CATAN, board games are a ton of fun while also providing a host of benefits:
Unplug & Unwind
It’s important to rejuvenate away from the electronic world. We are spending more time than ever on our phones, laptops and computers & board games are a welcome respite. They give us a chance to slow down and engage with one another, plus board games have also been shown to reduce stress levels.
Everyone is Equal
Board games are a great leveller, from grandma to your little nephew, everyone is equal and the game gods don’t discriminate. In CATAN, it’s all about the wheat market or rock ownership and your ability to trade and negotiate. There’s nothing quite like grovelling about market economies to family members you haven’t seen all year! Moments like these create lasting memories that the family can look back on for Christmases to come.
Something For Everyone
Board games have something for everyone. Apart from the banter and the bonds we make, the cognitive benefits of playing board games are through the roof. Kids get to learn skills like critical thinking & problem solving while also enhancing their patience and sportsmanship and improving communication skills, this will (hopefully) make them well-rounded individuals.
Board games provide a non-confronting way to socialise making it potentially easier for those who are anxious or struggle to socialise by creating a world of rules for interaction which remove the need for improvisation if you don’t want to. A study conducted by the Wilhelm Wundt Institute for Psychology shows that social connection is the best path to happiness. The research found that people who were focused on social connections over individual goals were happier year on year compared to their counterparts. By creating a place where everyone can access their need for social interaction, board games will lead to increased happiness.
Furthermore, they challenge the mind, requiring strategy, quick thinking and attention. A study from 2019 found that playing board games resulted in less cognitive decline in ages 11-70. Imagine you could improve these skills whilst you’re having fun and you get to win? Why would you want to do anything else?
This summer is set to be a scorcher in every sense of the word so why not turn the air-con on and introduce board games to your festive season. Playing board games allows us to bond with family in a unique way, fostering stronger relationships and creating unforgettable moments. The shared experience of laughter, surprise, and friendly banter strengthens the connections that make the festive season so special. Whether your family are seasoned professionals or new to the world of tabletop enjoyment, there’s a game for everyone. It might just become a tradition that creates memories that last a lifetime.
For more games check out Gameology
