With the kids out of school for two weeks and myself having time off from work during the holidays, it’s a fantastic time for playing board games!

To add to the holiday fun, we’ve had a very white Christmas. Aside from shoveling the driveway and walks many times over the last week, we love having thick blankets of snow everywhere.

The deep snow also makes for a great time to cozy up inside near the fireplace and watch movies and play games. We’ve had our Star Wars run (watching episodes 1-6 over the last month in prep for The Force Awakens last week), as well as a handful of Harry Potter movies. And we’ve had some great laughs playing Just Dance, Mario Party 9, and Rayman Raving Rabbids.

We also took advantage of the fresh snow on some good sledding hills nearby. And of course, we’ve played a bunch of board games.

If your family finds new board games under your Christmas tree this week, you’re in for a treat.

You’re also in for some learning time. Because in order to know how to play those shiny new games, you’ll first have to learn how to play them.

Your kids won’t want to wait while you to read all the rules. They’ll just want to play.

You’re in luck because we’ve got some tips for you.