Gather everyone and decide which games to play tonight. Aim for variety: a board game (Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, Sorry), a card game (Uno, Go Fish, Exploding Kittens), and maybe a quick physical game (charades, Pictionary, Twister). Pick games everyone can understand—if you have a 5-year-old and a 15-year-old, find games with simple rules but strategic depth (like Sequence or Catan Junior). Check estimated play times on the box and choose 2-3 games that fit your 90-minute window. Let each family member pick one game or rotate who chooses each week. Make sure you have all the pieces before starting. Set up a bracket if you're feeling competitive: winner of Game 1 vs. winner of Game 2 for the championship!

Transform your space into Game Night Central. Clear the dining table or living room floor. Gather snacks and drinks—popcorn, pretzels, fruit, juice, hot cocoa. Set out bowls and napkins so people can munch while playing. Put phones on silent and stash them away (or designate one person as 'official photographer'). Turn on some background music at low volume or keep it quiet if games require concentration. Dim overhead lights and use lamps for a cozy vibe, or go full party mode with string lights. Announce the official start: 'Welcome to Johnson Family Game Night!' Make it feel special, not just another Tuesday evening. Set ground rules: no cheating, no rage-quitting, everyone plays fair, and have fun.

Dive into your first game! Review rules quickly (or have someone who knows the game explain). Play with energy and engagement—no half-hearted participation. Encourage friendly trash talk ('I'm coming for you!') but keep it light, not mean. Celebrate clever moves: 'Nice strategy!' or 'I didn't see that coming!' When someone wins a round, everyone claps or high-fives. When someone loses, they say 'Good game!' without sulking. Between games, take quick breaks to refill snacks, stretch, or chat about highlights. Rotate who goes first if games allow. Keep the vibe playful and connected—winning is fun, but being together is the real point.

As game night winds down, do a quick debrief. Ask: 'What was your favorite game? Funniest moment? Biggest surprise?' Let everyone share. Celebrate the winner(s) but also acknowledge great plays from everyone: 'Mom had that crazy comeback in Uno!' or 'Dad's Pictionary drawing was hilariously bad!' Snap a group photo or selfie to capture the night. Clean up together—everyone puts away one game or wipes down the table. Thank each other for playing. Discuss when you'll do this again: 'Same time next week? Or should we try next Friday?' Put it on the calendar. Reinforce that family game night is a priority, not something that happens only when there's nothing better to do.

Commit to making this a recurring ritual—weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on your schedule. Put it on the family calendar and treat it as sacred time, not something to cancel when life gets busy. Over time, add your own traditions: a specific day/time, a rotating trophy for weekly champs, themed nights (all card games, retro board games, new releases), or seasonal tournaments. Encourage kids to invite friends occasionally to mix things up. Use game night as a tool for connection during tough times (stressful school weeks, family transitions). Celebrate that you're building memories and relationships, not just passing time. Years from now, your kids will remember these nights.