By Stacy Nguyen
Northwest Asian Weekly
It may be too late for my cousin, but it may not be too late for your kids!
For the holiday, throw that Blackberry into the toilet, cancel that World of Warcraft subscription, and consider getting down to some old-school family fun.
Some activities to consider:
1. Play a game
These days, you don’t have to depend on just a deck of cards. There are some very inventive family games that go beyond Monopoly or Scrabble. Consider Balderdash, a game by Bradyn Blower and Mark Powell where family members can stretch their imaginations and make up fake definitions for words and movies no one has ever heard of. The best bluffer wins, which could be particularly illuminating for all players involved.
2. Watch a movie
Whether your favorite is “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or “Christmas Vacation” (starring Chevy Chase), it’s always a good idea to gather everyone together to watch some of the classics. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire a similar tradition later on in your kids’ lives.
3. Hit the slopes
We all need more exercise. Studies have shown that it’s best to start good habits early on in life, as they have more of a chance of sticking. Kids who are athletic when they are young tend to grow to be active adults. It’s a bit of a splurge to go snowboarding or skiing, but it’s worth it. Even if you’re a novice boarder, think about how fun it’d be to have your child teach you for once.
4. Go shop
Letting your kids loose in the mall may be easier than following them from store to store, but doing so may be a good chance to teach them how to spend wisely. Point out sales to them and help them budget their money. And instead of letting a mall gift-wrapper do the work, why not wrap the presents together?
5. Bake
When was the last time you made an honest-to-goodness gingerbread house? Maybe this is the year. If gingerbread houses are too advance, cookies are fun to make. Get together some icing and sprinkles, and let your children go wild.
6. Volunteer and donate
In these times of economic hardships, it is crucial that our community rallies together to help one another. Donate nonperishables to food banks, donate blood if you are able to, and give your time as a volunteer to the organizations around Washington state. Adopt-a-Highway through the City of Seattle is an activity the whole family can participate in.
7. Decorate
Creating homemade trinkets is not only economical, but also a great way to create memories. Imagine having keepsakes of your children’s artwork after they’ve flown the nest.
8. Go to plays, concerts, or a ballet
We are lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest, a cultural hotspot. Have a night out on the town with the family in tow. Dress up nicely and attend Intiman’s “Black Nativity” or the ever-popular Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”
9. Take a family portrait
In this digital age, so many of us just store our pictures on a memory stick. Why not go retro and actually have a family portrait taken? Do it now, while the kids are still young and cute.
10. Party — party a lot
Does this one even need an explanation? End the year with a celebration! Gather a crowd and head to your favorite dim sum restaurant. ♦
Don’t forget to send in pictures of your decorations to info@nwasianweekly.com. Pictures will be entered into a photo contest. Winners will receive restaurant gift certificates. The deadline is Sunday, Dec. 14.
Stacy Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.