The Holidays are coming ...

We are told that the holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve - are the most festive time of the year. I certainly love the strings of colored lights that push the advancing darkness back, at least a little. But some of the not-so-delightful rituals of the season are the family gatherings. Maybe your family is the perfect picture of warmth and congeniality that would make Norman Rockwell smile. If so, good for you. For the rest of us, take heart. Here are some tips for surviving these get-togethers.

Psychologists say that it is important to learn to listen to each other. (I’m not sure how this bit of advice and guidance is supposed to help, since listening is the fastest way to rediscover how wrong they really are!) We are instructed to find ways to communicate respectfully and build connections. One important step that is supposed to reduce the confrontational quality of our family holiday gatherings is to surrender our personal desire to be right. Psychologists won’t say this, but I can tell you that the only good way to win a family argument is to outlive your antagonists.

I would like to add a thought to this list of suggestions - Bring out a chess set! Chess is really a fabulous game to introduce into your holiday festivities. Lousy weather is not a factor. Chess is exceptional in its capacity to span the generations (Junior can challenge Grandpa), to cut across many ages (from elementary school children to adult), and to allow the girls to compete with the boys. Chess can channel the competitiveness and maintain a certain level of sportsmanship. It’s got lots of possibilities - and with luck you can whomp your arrogant brother-in-law at last.

So stop by Chess Right Chess Shop (at http://www.ChessRight.com) before you head out to your family get-together and find a chess set just right for your game. Drop us a note with your purchase and we can send your selection via expedited shipping (for an upgraded fee).

We are pulling for you.

FEATURED PRODUCT:

The Einstein Touch Chess Computer is priced right for the holidays at just $34.00 plus shipping. Check it out at http://chessright.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=381 today.

We have many new products arriving so please check back with ChessRight.com often.

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Keep playing chess!