One of the toughest challenges during the holidays — or any time of year — is convincing family members to shut off their digital devices long enough to enjoy some togetherness and savor the spirit of the season.
Matt Snyder, sales manager at Watson's Pool and Spa, suggests nondigital activities that include everyone are a great way to get families communicating and enjoying each other.
"Pool tables are a top seller here at Watson's, but we also bring in a lot of related game tables for the holiday season," he explained. "We offer the higher-quality air hockey tables, which kids really gravitate to whenever they see one."
Snyder noted that, last year, air hockey was the No. 2 recreational gift purchase, just behind electronics.
"We always hear that families are looking for activities that are 'family interactive,'" he said. "Foosball is something that has stood the test of time, so, of course, we carry foosball tables. Pingpong is another activity that has made a comeback over the past few years, and so we carry pingpong tables during the holiday season."
For individuals with a little bit of space, such as a finished basement, Snyder recommends a billiards table with a ping-pong conversion top.
"That way you get two games in one, and the whole family can have fun," he noted, adding that most billiards tables are not only fun but are quite stylish and will accent any décor. "In fact, many are so well made that they can be passed from generation to generation."
For those with more limited space, Snyder points to the foosball table as a functional and fun space saver.
"We also have a shuffleboard game that people really seem to enjoy. It's about 12 to 14 feet long but only a couple feet wide, and it fits snugly against the wall. Shuffleboard has made a real comeback, and kids really enjoy it," he said, adding that Watson's recently added a bowling pin set that can be played atop the shuffleboard court. "Once again, you get two games in one, which is always nice."
Snyder noted that the holiday season, coupled with the frigid temperatures of winter, can keep people cooped up together in a way that doesn't happen during the warmer months.
"If you don't want mom in one room reading, dad in the other watching TV and the kids downstairs playing video games, it's a great option to explore something like a billiards, air hockey or pingpong table. Whether you buy one as a holiday gift for the family — or you buy one in anticipation of a family get-together — it will provide hours of family interaction during the holiday season and throughout the year," Snyder said.
Watson's Pool and Spa is located at 2590 E. Whipp Road in Centerville.
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