I freely admit to being a computer/internet addict.

My husband is addicted to movies (in his defense, he is equally addicted to books).

Denver is now addicted to his iPod & Netflix (i.e. Star Trek).

In the past several months we’ve started to make the conscious decision to unplug at least twice a month and reconnect by using actual words – a long forgotten art in this house it feels like sometimes.

So we unburied some board games, bought some new ones – and some new puzzles.  We’re slowly building our choices of games, including ones that the youngers can play (like [amazon_link id=”B004LZ2QZW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sorry[/amazon_link] and [amazon_link id=”B00000IWHG” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Perfection[/amazon_link]).  We have probably 5 different versions of [amazon_link id=”B0017S1Y4A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Trivial Pursuit[/amazon_link] – including two very old ones like the [amazon_link id=”B0009RGXPK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Classic Genus[/amazon_link] and the (vintage?) Junior edition.

We’re building a list of games we want to add, trying to find classic games we remember playing “way back when” – you know, in ancient times when 3 channels on TV forced to to be creative and play these board games.

I am plotting and trying to get Erik to agree to learn how to play Rummy.  The poor guy doesn’t know how to play – and I’ve always loved a good game of Rummy.

For now our go-to game that comes out just about every time we decide to play?  [amazon_link id=”B00000IWDB” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]SCRABBLE[/amazon_link].  Between the three of us over the age of 10 – it’s always a toss-up who’s going to win.

The best thing about bringing these out is it gives us a chance to sit around and actually talk.  Even though it’s often about the game or nothing – it’s reestablishing some levels of communication.  Letting us relax and just have fun together so that not all of our conversations revolve around a child getting in trouble for something or a movie we just saw.

What family couldn’t stand to just have fun together without technology?

I now regularly stare at my wishlist for games, and scope out the board game section at Goodwill. For Christmas I hope to add a few more options for family togetherness to my list.

With Christmas coming up, don’t you want to add some fun under your tree? What’s your favorite board game?