When the days turn long, and the chill settles in, our family naturally shifts toward the kinds of moments that bring us closer. Winter has a way of slowing life down just enough for us to notice the things that truly matter, and for us, some of our favorite memories are made right at the kitchen table with a stack of board games, a deck of cards, or a half-finished puzzle spread out before us.
There is something sweet about gathering together after dinner, everyone in their comfy clothes, letting the outside world fade for a little while. The competition stays lighthearted, the laughter comes easy, and without even trying, we end up learning a little more about each other. I love watching the kids get excited when they recognize a pattern, solve a problem, or celebrate a win they worked hard for. And honestly, I love the nights when someone “loses” with a giggle just as much as the wins, because it means we are enjoying the moment more than the outcome.
Over the years, we have even found a small tradition forming. Friday tends to be our slowest evening, so it naturally became our Family Fun Friday. Nothing fancy at all. Just simple pizza, comfy blankets, and whatever game or puzzle the kids pull out first. It gives us something to look forward to and a rhythm that helps us end the week connected instead of rushed. And for other families, it can be any night that feels right. The magic is in the togetherness, not the schedule.
Some evenings, it is a fast-paced card game that gets everyone buzzing. Other nights we choose a puzzle and settle into something quieter, side by side, talking about our day while hunting for the next piece that fits. Those slower moments end up feeling just as special, because they give us space to reconnect after the busy rush of school, chores, and all the responsibilities that fill a week.
What I treasure most is how these simple activities bring out the very best in our home. We pause. We laugh. We listen. We create the kind of memories the kids tuck away without even realizing it. And in the middle of a season that can sometimes feel a little long and a little heavy, these tiny rituals of play remind us that joy does not always have to be planned. Sometimes it is as easy as clearing off the table and coming together.
Winter may keep us indoors more often, but it also opens the door for connection in ways we might overlook during busier seasons. Whether we are shouting out answers, celebrating a good move, or cheering because we finally found the last puzzle piece, these moments weave our family together. And as the snow falls outside, it feels good to know that warmth grows right here, in the simple act of playing side by side.
Submitted by Sarah Clark