Remember How Fun Playing Board Games with the Family Was When You Were a Kid?

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Some of my best memories growing up were playing Risk or Scrabble or Monopoly up until all hours of the night with my dad, brothers, uncles, causins. Afterall, when did so many family members get together to have fun. Playing games, eating cookies, drinking soda. Hearing you dad laugh -- or your aunt razz your mom about a sqift move. Good times. I went out Christmas shopping and bought a few of my favorites. It's kinda selfish, I suppose, buying gifts for my kids, knowing deep down I'm the one looking forward to playing. Oh well, Fun is the price you have to pay sometimes. Here's some helpful reminders, old timer.

9 Board Games Your Family Will Love

If you think video games have replaced board games, you'd be wrong. Board games are still a great way to spend time with your family -- and if you haven't played one in a few years -- you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how much fun everyone has. Board games still rule!

1. Monopoly -- This classic real estate game brings out the capitalist in everyone. It's not just Park Place anymore; there are several new versions with different tokens and properties, such as Boston's Fenway Park, Houston's Johnson Space Center and Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Ages 8+.
2. Scrabble -- Remember sitting by the fireplace playing scrabble with Grandma? This classic remains a favorite with young and old alike. Ages 5+.
3. Clue -- Mr. Green did it in the library with a rope. Or, was it Ms. Scarlet? Have fun finding clues while playing detective with this mystery game. Ages 9+.
4. Sorry -- Your kids will love this perennial classic. Ages 6+.
5. Checkers - A simple game that's easy to learn and never gets old. Ages 5+.
6. Chess -- While there is a bit of a learning curve to this classic strategy game, older kids will find it addictive. And, it won't take more than a few games before they beat the supposed master. Ages 7+.
7. Life -- Spin a dial, and the next thing you know you're getting married, have landed a high- (or low-) paying job, and have a boy and a girl. Kids love it! Ages 7+.
8. Candy Land -- This 50-year-old classic has been entertaining kids across the world with colorful cards, fun characters and tempting treats pictured along the path in Candy Land. Ages 3+.
9. Risk -- A game of world domination, where the object is to conquer the world. To win, you must attack and defend - attacking to acquire territory, and defending to keep it from your opponents. Ages 10+.

The ages are approximations only. If you have really young kids, team them up with an older child or adult. They'll likely have fun just rolling the dice, holding a token or acting as an "advisor."