The holiday season has a way of pulling us in two directions at once. On one hand, we’re surrounded by people — family gatherings, neighborhood lights, community events and church. On the other hand, we often find ourselves more distracted than ever, scrolling through screens even while sitting in the same room.
Board games offer a simple but powerful counter to that trend.
When a game comes out, phones tend to go away. The table becomes the focus. Laughter replaces notifications. Conversation starts to flow — not forced or scripted, but natural, as people share a moment together. Games don’t create connection on their own, but they make space for it. They slow us down long enough to actually see one another.
One game that does this particularly well is Ticket to Ride: London.
Unlike longer board games that require a full evening, Ticket to Ride: London is quick to learn and plays in about 15-25 minutes. Players build bus routes across London, collecting sets of cards and competing for key connections. The rules are simple enough for new players, but there’s still enough strategy to keep everyone engaged. Because it plays quickly, it’s easy to say, “Let’s play one more round,” and suddenly an hour has passed, filled with conversation and shared stories.
That’s where the real value of games like these shines.
A short, approachable game lowers the barrier to entry. It breaks the ice. It gives people something to do with their hands while they talk. Often, the best conversations — about life, family, faith and what really matters — happen after the game, once everyone is relaxed and connected.
As the holidays approach, consider using a board game as a tool for creating conversations.
Buy a simple game. Invite a few neighbors over. Clear the table. Put the phones away. Let the game do what it does best — create space for people to connect.
You may be surprised at where the conversation leads. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments don’t happen in a rush. They happen around a table.
Need more suggestions? Please connect with me at clinton@4-spaces.org
