Home for the Holidays Without Video Games

Imagine, if you will, a world in which you’re on the plane ride home to visit family for the holidays and suddenly you realize that your Laptop, DS, or PSP’s batteries have been completely drained and you forgot the charger back in your apartment. A world of terror and fright, as now, you are back home, with not a gaming system in sight. What is there to do without your beloved games? Fear not, for there are alternative solutions to the mind-numbing boredom you may face.

#5. Books!

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Books, for many people, are a thing of the past. Why bother reading something when they’re only going to turn it into a movie soon, anyway? Well, for those of you who are thinking that way, allow me to remind you of the alternative. You know those old stories your grandmother has told you every year since you were five? Do you really want to hear them again? I didn’t think so. Therefore, while you are at the airport, go snag yourself a cheap paperback or two; you will find its better company than you would have imagined.

#4. Holiday TV Specials!

You’ve seen them a million times since you were young, and maybe you’ve skipped watching them the last couple of years. Maybe it’s time to go back and watch Rudolph again to relive a bit of your childhood. Not to mention there are a good amount of new holiday specials that you’ve probably missed! There could possibly be a hidden gem, a diamond in the rough, a true new “classic” to add to the list of specials you’ll watch every year. I wouldn’t count on it, but hey, it beats hearing your mom complain about how you waste all of your time on those “darn vidja games.”

#3. Board Games or Card Games!

Blasphemy! Playing a game that doesn’t involve time travel, shooting something, or jumping across disappearing platforms, how could you? Well first, ask yourself this: When was the last time you played Monopoly? If you cannot remember, then maybe you should grab your favorite relatives and have yourself a quick game. By quick, I mean stay up until four in the morning watching your sister slowly whittle away your remaining funds until you just can’t take it anymore. If you don’t want to play with family, there’s always solitaire.

#2. Arts and Crafts!

Models, modeling clay, or even just painting some ornaments, working on arts and crafts is a good way to pass the time. There is a Zen state one can reach when creating something with their own two hands, even if it is only making a Gundam model or painting a plaster candy cane ornament. Fun, easy to do, and could possibly involve more than one person if desired. Just remember to have extra room in your luggage so you can take it all home with you.

#1. Hang Out With Your Family!

What a concept, right? You haven’t seen them in who knows how long and you are trying to find ways to avoid them? Shame on you! Being the time of year to sit down and sip hot cocoa while conversing with family is part of the charm of the holiday season. So why not just enjoy the time you have with your relatives while it lasts, because you’ll be home soon and I assure you all those games you didn’t play while you were away will be waiting there for you.