SNOWED IN FOR CHRISTMAS? IT’S BOARD GAME TIME! 3 NEW GAMES TO ENTERTAIN YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
2. Half Truth: Brilliant Minds Meet Here If you’re a fan of Trivial Pursuit,
“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the games are so delightful …” Those might not be the exact lyrics from the famous Christmas carol, but it’s true that decks of cards and various board games get many families through the holiday season. You can only rewatch “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” so many times before the jokes grow stale. While new movie releases can be fun, many have been stalled this year because of the pandemic. Luckily, board games are still coming out on schedule. If you’re on the hunt for alternatives to Monopoly, Clue, and Scrabble, check out these fresh 2020 games, which all come recommended by the experts at Thrillist. 1. THE ALPHA: A NATURE LOVER’S DREAM GAME If your childhood dream was joining a wolf pack like Mowgli in “The Jungle Book,” this is the board game for you! The Alpha is a beautifully illustrated strategic game where players act as pack leaders and compete with other players to acquire territory and snag the best food. Gameplay is done in rounds that include four stages: stalk, chase, resolve, and advance. The game is rated for 3–6 players ages 10 and up.
you’ll love Half Truth. At its heart, it’s a trivia game, but it ups the stakes by giving players the
opportunity to bet on how many correct answers they’ll get. Really though, there’s only one thing you need to know about this game, and Thrillist said it best: “It’s the brainchild of legendary Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield and 74-time Jeopardy! winner Ken Jennings.” What a pedigree! Everyone 12 and over will want a seat at the table. 3. getCrewd: A Playground for Movie Buffs getCrewd is a card game that comes in a retro- style film can, and that single trait speaks volumes. In this PG-13-rated game, you play a film producer in search of the perfect actor, director, and crew to make your movie happen. However, the deck will keep throwing obstacles in your way, including everything from flash floods to writers’ strikes. If you have a competitive side, you’ll love this mad scramble to the finish line. With these games in your cabinet, you won’t even notice the snowbanks outside!
WHAT SPECIES IS MY CHRISTMAS TREE?
The Many Varieties Available
BALSAM FIR Another tree, the balsam fir, is more popular in the Northeast. It helps that it’s native to the most northeastern parts of the United States and much of eastern Canada. Balsam firs typically have a full, well- rounded shape, but it’s the color that really makes this tree pop. The needles are two-toned — a rich, dark green on top, with a soft silver underneath. The tree is also noted for its longer, more flexible branches, which make it ideally suited for lighter decoration or a more minimalistic approach. FRASER FIR This tree is known for its evergreen aroma, so if you want to fill your home with a festive smell, the Fraser fir won’t let you down. As a Christmas tree, it’s known for its round, conical shape, dark green to dark blue-green needles, and branches suited for just about any decoration. The Fraser is native to small regions through Appalachia, including Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It’s also most commonly used as the White House Christmas tree.
Who doesn’t love the majesty and tradition of a live Christmas tree? Every year, we descend on local tree lots to find the perfect trees for our homes. We inspect all the trees for the shape, size, and color, and we look for the healthiest specimen that will last the entire season. While most tree lots sell one type of tree, several varieties are available during the season. Here are three types of trees that fill the role of “Christmas tree.” DOUGLAS FIR Native to the western regions of the United States, the Douglas fir is the most common variety of Christmas tree. It’s known for its quintessential,
conical “Christmas tree” shape. Plus, it’s noted for its longevity after harvesting. As long as it’s properly watered, it will last through the month. People also love its soft bristles. Not only do they look great, but they also don’t poke you while you’re decorating. The tree even has a mild evergreen aroma!
2 | (860) 888-8472
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter