Dad.i.Y

We’re there… the break… which is sort of like a break — a break from formal lessons and such — and sort of not like a break — more kids in the neighborhood off from the public schools, their parents freaking out: WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO WITH ALL THESE KIDS!

I’m used to to the kids.  That’s part of the homeschooling gig, though my preschool daughter, now home with the other two, spends most of her time circling the Christmas tree needling me to “open just one present… just one… daddy… I just want to open JUST ONE!”

They’re bored… I get it — that’s just one of the BUZZILION reasons why I have a BUZZILION board games.  Oh yes sir.  Games for the littluns, games for the bigguns, games for the twenty some-odd whippersnappers who filter in and out of the garage.  Space games, World War II games, Fantasy games, abstract games, dice games, you name it.  

“Hey there, camper.  Oh, you’re wondering why your parents seem to blather on and on about politics and the eee-lec-to-ral voting process?  Let’s play a game!”

“What do you mean?  You don’t know who this Tole-keen guy is?  Let’s play a game!”

“Yeah, I hear you… exploring a South American jungle temple full of treasure and booby-traps would be more fun than sitting here staring at the TV.  Let’s play a game!”

“How was the trip?  You guys tired?  Don’t be such a whiny baby, we’re playing a damn game!”

“Mmmmm… turkey/ham coma… but while those other wieners check out for a nap, we should play a game!”

It’s always a good time to play a game, but the holiday break provides more opportunity than your normal weekly routine.  So break ‘em out, kids.  Make ‘em play.  And if you’re looking at that tired old Monopoly box and feeling like you’ve just been given and extended prison sentence, get your ass to your local FLGS, online retailer, or local B&N and get a decent game.  Replace your Pictionary with Pictomania!  Replace your Game of Life with Pandemic!  Replace your The Office vs. Twilight Monopoly with Risk:Legacy and make a holiday break long campaign of it!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, my kids and I need to capture some creatures from the wilds, mutate them with spells, and dice our way to epic victory… Happy Holiday Gaming, all.