The Daily Valet. - 12/10/22, Saturday
✔️ Weekend Reading: A Holiday Survival Tip
Weekend of December 10th
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
This holiday season, make sure to play some games to lighten the mood and keep the conversations from veering off into uncomfortable territory.
Weekend Reading
The Best Way to Kill Time
Whether you're hosting or attending, games are the key to a good time
There are plenty of reasons why the holidays are a great time. But they're not without their low moments and awkward conversations. Depending on how you celebrate—with family or friends—the days during holiday break can be refreshing and fun-filled or feel like some of the longest days of the year. And there's only so many nostalgic movies a person can watch, right?That's why we need games. Whether you're hosting or simply a guest, they instantly shift the atmosphere of any gathering and get people involved in what's going on in front of them. They not only help pass the time, but they shoot down any awkward and unpleasant conversations and move the topic to the game at hand. Engaging your loved ones in some friendly competition will get the whole group's adrenaline pumping, bring in the laughter and keep any holiday blues at bay. Plus, without sounding too much like a cheesy Christmas TV special, they help make treasured memories with the old people and young kids we don't see enough of throughout the rest of the year.What game you choose is entirely up to you and your crew. There are modern takes on the classic, simple card games or even low-key puzzles. But we'd suggesting bringing your own to any gathering and having the bravery to challenge your group to a game.
Our Picks
All the classics are here, in a handsome throwback book box that can easily sit out on a coffee table until it's time to play.
$40 each by Hasbro
Dominoes, but make it stylish. This take on the timeless table game uses wooden dominoes featuring geometric compositions inspired by Cubist art and Abstract Modernism.
$46 at MoMA Design Store
Consider this a Jenga game that doesn't ever have to be put away. The lucite blocks form an interesting sculpture that invites anyone to play.
$79.95 / $59.96 by CB2
This heirloom-quality take on the classic Scrabble board game is 25% larger to kick your wordplay up a notch and features a rotating board and raised tile grid for effortless play.
$140 by WS Game Co.
The traditional Mexican game (similar to bingo) was reinvented with a millennial twist. Prepare to laugh.
$19.99 by Blue Star Press
The infamous card game is back, but in a much more family-friendly capacity. Don't worry, the cards were written in consultation with child development specialists.
$24.86 at Amazon
Looking for something less high-stakes? This game has more than 300 thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations.
$20 by Hygge Games
Forgot to bring a game? No worries. Grab your phone (and maybe a bluetooth speaker) and pull up a “best of 2022” playlist. Designate a DJ, then split into two teams. See who can name the most songs after just a few seconds of listening. Extra points for those who can name the album.
$129.95 / $99.95 by JBL
Puzzles
If your group isn't into “games,” then a puzzle can be a good way to get people interacting without actively playing. These three will keep everyone occupied (including kids of all ages) while maintaining a low-key vibe.
Citylife jigsaw puzzle, $30 by Workshoppe
World map puzzle, $30 by Puzzledly
Chamonix, France art deco puzzle, $34.99 by MyPuzzle