Despite having a close Uncle who makes a living playing board games, I cannot say I have adopted this hobby as part of my everyday lifestyle. This is partly due to my lack of patience to learn more extended gameplay (*said Uncle will happily attest to this), partly due to already having a long list of hobbies I upkeep (reading being top of the list), and also partly due to the stage of life I have been in regarding my career, interests, parenting, etc.

Turning the page from 2023 to 2024, I have a renewed appreciation for what collective gameplay can bring to one’s life. I have begun to incorporate weekly family game time into our routines. *Don’t get me wrong—we have missed some weeks this year (illness, overtiredness, busyness, etc.)

Overall, playing games together has been a grounding act of togetherness.

Adding New Games to Our Collection

Christmas is an excellent time to add a few new games to our collection. I usually note a game we played during the year or a well-talked-about game and ensure we have it included under the tree.

Playing through Our Collection

I am very dedicated to minimalism, not by aesthetics but by the peace of mind. Clutter and collections can quickly get out of hand. We often end up with an excess we don’t use or appreciate collecting dust rather than being enjoyed. This year, I am trying to play every game in our collection to discern if it stays or is time to go. (games for toddlers are an excellent example of what is leaving our house, as our almost nine-year-old is well past this stage)

Board Game Café’s

I first went to a board game cafe in Montreal, and recently, we made a point of going to our local one as a family. This is a great way to play new games and determine whether you like them.

Playing by the Rules

I admit, growing up, I would fudge the rules—not out of a desire but out of pure laziness to take the time to understand the proper gameplay. (There is that lack of patience again.) Taking the time to understand the rules through the game directions or simply pulling up a YouTube video that does a play-through can be the difference between a game of annoying starts and stops or a game of fun.

One Game Session a Week

Life is full. Making a point to look for a window (often at breakfast or dinner time on a weekend) where we can pull out a game and play one round is a bonding practice.