Old Time Fun

Friday, I went to our friends house in Richmond with the two girls. While we were there we banned the electronics for the day (normal practice). My friend, another friend and I sat and crafted all afternoon while we visited. We all worked on different projects we were working on for Christmas presents. It reminded me that this is how people in the "olden" days (not that long ago really) used to entertain themselves and make their work go faster. They would take their woodworking, knitting, quilting or other task along while they visited with a friend. We had a nice visit, got some work done and had a relaxing enjoyable afternoon.

Our children are similar ages. My oldest daughter sat and knitted with us. My youngest daughter played various imaginative play games with the peers her age. When they got tired of that they put on their coats and went outside and played in the snow. Later in the afternoon, Mary and I played a card game with them.

Last night, we visited some other friends. We ate some finger foods and sat around and visited. After a while, we pulled out a game that all ages could play. We divided into teams and all of us from the youngest to the oldest sat in the kitchen and played.

Both of these time periods reminded me the importance of intergenerational time together. All the children involved in the game will probably have lasting good memories from our game. The children on Friday will have memories of a nice relaxing time playing with friends. I came away from both experiences feeling relaxed and refreshed. Neither of these entertainment periods cost much money except for vehicle gas to get there and last night some shared food cost.

This is my challenge to you. In the "busyness" that we have turned this season into these days, block out some time this week that you are going to sit down and play a game, visit over coffee or craft with someone. Enjoy some quiet time with some family or friends.