I’m getting very nostalgic and kind of sad, thinking of the holidays I used to spend with my family from near and far, and knowing that things won’t be the same this year. For at least the first two decades of my life, every holiday was spent surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins from the Chicagoland area and beyond. We’d all gather together in one family member’s home as they tirelessly prepared our arrival for the holiday festivities. I think that’s where my love of hosting events at my own home came from.
I’ve always been a board game junkie. I’m already eyeing the new games Listicles and Blank Slate that I want to pick up at the store! Back when I got married 11 years ago (before getting divorced), I took on the task of a wedding registry and found more joy in adding every board game possible to the registry than new dishware or towels. I was literally a kid trapped in an adult’s body.
I learned how to play poker from my grandma’s basement with the other family members under the age of 18. Cranium was always a favorite, all of us getting to show off our unique talents, and it was the only time my sister and I ever seemed to always be on the same page. We were unstoppable as party game teammates! My mom also introduced us to Tripoley when it was just our small family of five at home for a handful of holiday celebrations, but it still created special memories that I hold on to even today..
I think back to the house, so warm and full of family members that there was always someone wanting to keep the front door open to let in some cold Midwestern fall air to cool things down. I remember loud laughter filling the room and animated personalities making it hard to even get a word of my own in sometimes. All of these thoughts put a smile on my face, and I recall the little details my aunt would add, like a glass jar full of candy corn in which you were supposed to guess how many pieces were in there to win a prize.
The bonding of my childhood relationships with my cousins and our siblings happened during those holidays as the opportunity came for us to play our own games while the adults entertained themselves. Our parents were never expected to keep us busy, that was on us to create our own imaginative games from the basement of someone’s home, and to make sure that we included everyone! Candy quickly became our currency, using it to place a bet or make an enticing trade.
This year for Thanksgiving, things will be different, it won’t be a large gathering, and I’m still determined to make it a memorable holiday. Lucky for me, JT loves playing games and often asks if I can play with him. Some of his faves are Jenga, Trouble, Life, and Clue Jr., all of the classics, and I love that about him. Bring on the board games!
For more Thanksgiving Games for Adults, Kids and Family, check out my post on the Zulily blog!