Board games offer families a valuable way to connect, relax, and strengthen bonds during the holidays. Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, a K-State Research and Extension agent in Sedgwick County, has promoted these benefits through her Bonding Thru Board Games program, which she has hosted for over a decade.

Playing board games enhances social connections by encouraging shared experiences and fostering teamwork, particularly in cooperative games. They also provide a break from screens, helping families create meaningful memories and traditions.

In addition to social benefits, board games support mental health by reducing stress and promoting joy and laughter. They also pass on family traditions, allowing older generations to share stories and values with younger members, enriching family culture across generations.

Intellectually, games stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving, benefiting players of all ages. By incorporating board games into holiday celebrations, families build a resilient, joyful culture that nurtures relationships and strengthens connections.