We have a winter tradition at our house that’s been part of the family for years. We gather each evening to play a wooden board game we call “the marble game.” I believe it’s known as Agitation or Aggravation. It’s easy to learn, played with marbles and dice, and while luck matters, a bit of strategy keeps it interesting. On cold winter nights it’s a perfect way to bring everyone together, unplugged and laughing around the table.
We started playing this after dinner when our kids were small. Even the youngest children enjoy it—playing with a parent or an older sibling makes it fun for them, even if they don’t yet grasp all the strategy. The simple rules and tactile marbles make it an ideal family game for mixed ages.
I like to leave the board out on the table throughout winter as a visual reminder to play. It’s both decorative and useful, which is why I call it our “use what we have” centerpiece. Instead of a purely ornamental display, the board invites play and interaction, which is exactly what we want during the long evenings.
This kind of decorating is my favorite: practical, personal, and inviting. A well-loved game on the table encourages family time, conversation, and gentle competition—nothing fancy, just traditions that create memories.
Do you have an old or new favorite game you like to play with your family?
Share your ideas in the comments so we can try your favorites too!