We planned to go skating, tobogganing (American translation: sledding) and play some shinny (street hockey) with the neighbours. But what do you do when it’s too cold outside even for hearty Canadians like ourselves? After multiple races on the Wii, a game of “Apples to Apples” that got a little too physical, and some heated debates about various pronunciation of words, we moved things to the basement. I never know how these games get started, but I was quickly roped into playing another game of “Eyes-Closed Tag”.
To play this extremely safe game, one person is It and closes his/her eyes while attempting to find other people in a sectioned-off area of the basement. If you are tagged, you are then It. Pretty simple, but we needed a few ground rules.
My Five Rules for Eyes-Closed Tag
1. Protective gear is not mandatory, but do move slowly to avoid serious injury (this applies primarily to the one who is It).
2. You can’t hide directly behind someone. Ok, you can, but not behind me. I refuse to be a human shield.
3. Throwing small toys to create a diversion is acceptable and at times encouraged, but try to avoid hitting fellow players.
4. No peeking.
5. No, really – no peeking.
A few extra bits of advice….
According to BH, if you don’t cheat and really keep your eyes closed then “your other senses will be even stronger” (I think he has watched “Daredevil” too many times). The truth is, we all know when you don’t – subtlety is not your strong suit. Plus, only peekers completely avoid bumping into things for the entire game – you are not that skilled.
It’s okay if you prefer to watch, but if you’re going to give hints to your brother keep in mind that “he’s right there. Right there. RIGHT. THERE.” while frantically pointing, really tells nothing (please see Rule #5). Also, consider learning your Left and Right.
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Your turn – what questionable games did you devise as a kid? Was a helmet required?
Tough Bananas 
Rule #6 Keep chocolate handy to eat while eyes are closed.
I’m disappointed in myself for missing that opportunity. Shame on me.
Of course polar fleece Dean would say that. Of course.
There’s too much documentation of that fleece. But I tipped my hand – he’ll know it was me if it “accidentally” gets burned.
We made bows and arrows and chased each other around the yard, occasionally getting in a lucky shot or two.
Of course you did.
I remember doing things like making a fort on the roof, ketchup and mustard squirting fights, lighting matches in wheat fields – fun stuff!
That makes this game seem extremely safe.
Yes – cringing.
It’s reminding me of all the unsafe stuff my siblings and I did. Possible future post…
We played a game called Woodbeast. A friend with a 3-wheeler chased us in the woods. We would jump out of trees and knock him off the 3-wheeler and run it into a pond. We would sets traps and sometimes get run over.
I would have LOVED that game, but now I quake with fear.