by Joyce Slaton posted in Products & Prizes

This time of year, many people have houses full of relatives. And it can be tough to figure out just what to do with them. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles tend to want to sit around in the kitchen talking over beverages; children want to not do that. So what tends to happen is that kids hang around and play and tease and make noise until the veins throb in Grandpa's head.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could get everyone together in one room without strife or resorting to television" You can -- through the magic of games. But how to find games that everyone can play" No one but a 3-year-old wants to play Hi-Ho Cherry-O, and little kids aren't ready for Scrabble. But there are games that are fun for almost every age -- here are our favorites.
1. Pictionary: Age 8 and up, the package says, but this is one time the package is wrong. Anyone of almost any age can draw, and Pictionary is more hilarious and fun with people who can't draw well, anyway. Pair small children with an adult who can help explain any too-adult words or concepts, stick to the "Easy" topics on the cards, or resolve to pick a new card if all the young players don't know a word. The whole family will be hysterical in no time.

2. Puzzles: Best thing about puzzles" Everyone sits around the table chatting while they put them together. A 3- or 4-year-old is well up to the task of puzzling (though not particularly good at it yet), and even the ...