Well, we made it.  The Christmas break is over, we are back in school and guess what...the kids DO still have brains in their heads!    My son did not forget all his math facts and my daughters are still able to write a decent paragraph.  We all remember the ancient civilizations we have been studying.  I am glad that I gave them (and myself) a break, too.

Now, I made a discovery that may not be all that popular among other homeschoolers so brace yourself...

I discovered that playing video games can be a family event just as much as a board game.  That's it.  I know many people will take exception to that statement.  Many people feel that video games are worthless "junk food" for the brain.  Truth be told, I don't like video games for just that reason.  They ARE junk food for the brain.

However, I watched as my kids who usually have fairly strict time limits on the video game scene played their Christmas presents during the break.  Not only the kids, but daddy also got in on the action.  They stayed together in the same room.  They worked together to figure out what to do next in order to advance the game.  They took turns trying to get the game past whatever the current challenge was. 

Meanwhile, I moped in the other room putting together my puzzle all by myself, thinking about all those other families having a wonderful time together around their puzzles or gameboards.  Finally it dawned on me.  My family was having a great time together.  Then I got to thinking about how most board games are not much better on the chart of good food for the brain than these puzzling, challenging games on our TV.

So, there you have it.  My confession.  Let the condemnations roll in...I will not be made to feel guilty.  My kids relaxed and had fun together which is just how Christmas break should be.