National Puzzle Month

    It’s fitting that National Puzzle Month is celebrated in January, and, more specifically, that National Puzzle Day is Jan. 29. The sparkle of Christmas has faded away, the weather has turned cold and snowy, and people young and old need an indoor activity to help pass the hours.
    Connie Holtzman of Holyoke wasted no time this January. A new cat jigsaw puzzle — one of many that she has received as gifts — has already been put together and put aside, making room for the next puzzle on her to-do list, all while her own cat looks on.
    Holtzman said she finds puzzles very relaxing, and it’s easy for her to get a piece or two put together before work, after work or even on her lunch break.
    Jigsaw puzzles have also become a favorite activity for Cherrie Brown to do with her great-granddaughters Callie and Lacey Tharp.
    It’s great that it gets the girls away from the TV and electronics, said Brown, noting the silence allows them to have some good conversations, too.
    Puzzles, along with traditional board games, have made somewhat of a resurgence recently. Here are seven reasons why this addictive activity could be a good thing.
    1. Because you’re focusing on one thing for a long period of time, it helps relieve stress.
    2. Puzzles engage both sides of the brain — left is logical and right is creative.
    3. It’s a great family activity where you can all work toward the same goal. On the other hand, it can also be a good solo activity for those who need some alone time.

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