One of my favorite things to hear is when playfulness brings out the laughs in GROWNUPS — especially when they’re feeling grumpy.

(Btw, contrary to what you might think from social media, I’m often grumpy, too!)

My friend messaged me the other day after playing the first advent calendar game, “Serious Santa” — a staring contest where you get up close and say “Ho-ho-ho” as seriously as you can without laughing.

Her husband was in a funk and was very confident he’d win — and he did at first!

But then came round two.
​
After playing with her toddler son and then mother-in-law, my friend said she was laughing so hard that her husband couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Funk gone. 💨

Later that day, during a car ride, she says they tried another game suggestion: story-building, where everyone adds to the story one line at a time.

In my family, we call this “Popcorn” stories because when we’re ready to pass the story to the next person we say, “Popcorn!” —

and that’s what made this next part of her message even funnier to me…

Her husband wasn’t having it and tried to derail things right away with, “I went to the cinema last night… and someone had POOPED in my POPCORN!”

Naturally, the story spiraled from there (as stories involving poop often do), and everyone was laughing so hard the ride flew by.

I’ll never stop repeating this:

Playing silly games and just being playful in general is just as much for US as it is for the kids — and sometimes we need it even more.

It reminds us to loosen up, connect, and model joy and playfulness for our families.

That’s priceless!

My invitation for you this week:

Start up a silly, spontaneous little family game — whether it’s one I mentioned here or something you already love.

Notice how the mood shifts.

And here’s hoping no one poops in your popcorn!

Love,

Mia

PS: It’s only December 3, so there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of “Laughing All the Way,” whether you use it as a true advent calendar or just as inspiration for hilarious fun and connection this holiday season. Tap here to join the fun!