In my main childhood kitchen there stood a tall narrow white cupboard within arms reach of our kitchen table. Running along one side of the table was a long pine bench my eldest sister made in woodwork. It could seat 6 or more but if you where left for last and put your weight on one end it would tip you right off. (I wonder where that bench is now…) our table was often stuffed with our own family plus guests and the cosy noise and simple meals stay with me. Mum how did you gracefully accommodate another few spontaneous guests to our busy crew and stretch the meals so everyone had enough?
Anyway the cupboard. Open the door and you will find top to bottom crammed with games! Oh joy what shall we play tonight? (today,this morning,now?) no one has to leave the hub to play.
Being the fourth child I was pretty savvy for my age and had to keep up with my elders and for the record I did NOT always cheat! I’m actually very skilled at strategy. So there.
Anyway the cupboard. Where have all those games gone by the way?
Such a variety. I never enjoyed Monopoly, but I did like Cluedo and Chinese checkers and Sagaland (the enchanted forest) and Labyrinth and canasta and Europareise(travel Europe) and Speed and UNO and memory (a german anniversary set with some gorgeous photographs and artworks and a few that scared me) and and so many more.
Many games came from our Grandmother in Switzerland. Perhaps every Christmas? Good Ravensburger brand board games and puzzles with beautiful artwork.
A feature of my childhood play and now a feature of my children’s play. I love love the game times and whether i am playing or overhearing Lily and friends it’s all warm and happy inside for me. (unless there is squabbling of course)
It can be a safe place for playful squabbly banter and venting and teasing. a place of togetherness across all ages, an ice breaker and a bonding tool. It’s good not to take oneself too seriously.
We have a few friends we play games with and I cherish these playful connections.
At my Mums there is still Often a game after dinner, Scrabble or Zilch (dice game)
One rare Christmas at mums with all 6
Siblings and family saw all the adults staying up late playing games. Fun fun wholesome fun.

Great learning is happening for Lily with her numbers and sums with Dice games.

How do games fit into your family?
What’s your top games and why?
How can you play more in your life?
Want to come over for a games night?

Scrabble
Saga land
Labyrinth
UNO
Yahtzee
The orchard
Chinese checkers
Blockus
Zilch
Quirkle
Set
Guess who
Jenga
Boggle
Sequence
Connect four

Spelling Gnome (formerly known as hang man, draw a gnome in stages)