Return to Family TimesBy: Ken McEntee

The silver lining in winter’s dark clouds may be the opportunity to share family time inside a warm home — maybe before a crackling fire.

“Many people, while stuck inside during the winter, are finding out how nice it is to put the smartphones and electronic gadgets away and enjoy old-fashioned activities around the table — like board games and puzzles,” said a representative from the family-owned Lehman’s.

“Many of us have fond memories of Grandma or a favorite uncle always having a puzzle out. It’s nice to keep it out somewhere — not on the dining room table where you eat all your meals, but perhaps on a desk or card table where it can sit for several days, if not weeks, so family members can put a piece or two in place at their leisure until the entire puzzle is assembled. It’s a fun and relaxing activity that lets everybody participate.”

Traditional board games are another great family activity.

“There is nothing wrong with watching a movie or playing a computer game, but it’s very solitary. When you watch television, you just sit there passively and let it entertain you. But playing a board game like Clue, Monopoly — or Farmopoly — with friends and family is an activity that tends to create laughter, conversation, and many fond memories.”

Located in the small rural town of Kidron, Lehman’s is known nationwide for its focus on living a simpler life — from selling trusted “low-tech” hand tools and appliances to educating visitors about self-sufficient living. The store’s ample assortment of simple toys and games is a big part of what makes Lehman’s unique.

Lehman’s kitchen tools and cooking accessories are another attraction.

“Baking cookies or brownies, or even going out to the garden and gathering home-grown vegetables to make into a healthy salad, is not only a fun and engaging activity that family members of all ages can participate in, but it’s also educational. You’re teaching kids math and other lessons. How many teaspoons are in half a cup? How many pints are in a quart? If you don’t have any eggs, what can you use instead? Cooking and baking with children is a very valuable skill.”

So is do-it-yourself crafting.

“You can make soap, candles, cheese, yogurt, laundry soap, and so many other things — and they make wonderful homemade gifts. We carry all the ingredients and have a lot of beginner kits. My family has always had a lot of fun making candles — particularly pouring candles into containers that represent what somebody loves or is interested in.”

You can get started on fun memory-making activities with a visit to Lehman’s, located at 4779 Kidron Road in Kidron. Learn more about the store — and read Lehman’s educational blog — at Lehmans.com or call 330-828-8828. 

You can get started on fun memory-making activities with a visit to Lehman’s, located at 4779 Kidron Road in Kidron. You can learn more about the store — and read Lehman’s educational blog — at Lehmans.com or call 800-438-5346.