LAGOS – The federal government, on Tuesday in Lagos, disclosed that ongoing efforts and activities of partner agencies to reduce the Out-Of-School-Children in Nigeria has impacted a total of two million beneficiaries. Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Honorable Minister Of Education, disclosed this at the opening ceremonies of the ongoing three-day summit of the Basic Education In Nigeria Bootcamp (Ben-B) summit held in Lagos with the theme: “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education for All Children in Nigeria: Addressing the Challenges of Out-of-School Children”. The Minister in his message delivered by Dr (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education in the Federal Ministry of Education said the implementation of policies through the activities of four of its agencies and bilateral development partners supported by the take-off of the Almajiri and Out-of-School Commission is making positive impacts as part of the system-wide policy with a huge impact on Out-of-School Children. He said, “The Federal Ministry of Education is set for and indeed has commenced the implementation of key policies distilled with system-wide outcomes and their deep practical effects in the life of this Administration.” He said the policies captured by the Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skills Development and Acquisition (DOTS) when implemented, will succeed in connecting the dots for the improvement of the overall education system in Nigeria. Emphasising the importance of data at the summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), the Minister lamented the uncoordinated data repository in the country, saying unverifiable data has resulted in the citing of different figures for Out-Of-School-Children by governments and various bilateral partners. He acknowledged the place of quality teachers as pivotal in achieving policies on quality education and skilling, saying extant policies on teacher’s welfare, support and development would be reviewed for a more effective implementation. He added, “As we strive to ensure unfettered access to nine (9) years of formal basic education, we recognize the importance of free, Universal Basic Education for every Nigerian child of school-going age. Our collective efforts aim to reduce drastically the incidence of drop-out from the formal school system, through improved relevance, quality and efficiency.” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a keynote address, said the place of education at all levels of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu will create a befitting future for children and, in effect, have a positive impact on the nation’s social, economic, technology and political advancement. The Governor, represented by Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner For Primary and Basic Education, said the outcomes will include sustainable plans, policies, and regulations that are visible, accessible, practical-oriented and cost-effective. He stressed the commitment of the state government to education and technology as one of the core THEME+ agenda of Lagos State, saying it has created and leveraged better education performance with a technology-driven approach. “The state had committed more resources in the establishment of new schools, skills acquisition centres, continuous rehabilitation of schools, restructuring of school plants, recruitment of professionally qualified teachers, provision of teaching materials, deployment of technology, teachers’ capacity building and motivation across the board. “In Lagos State, we have come up with various strategies to combat out-of-school children through aggressive enrollment drives and project zero, which reduces learning poverty and equally returning children found on the street to school,” he said. He urged stakeholders in the education sector to change the current approaches to build a world where every child survives, thrives, and has the power to shape their future. Prof Pai Obanya of the Institute of Education at the University of Ibadan (UI), the lead paper presenter, urged stakeholders to change the current notion about the profession, saying “Teaching is not as simply telling, but mainly as guiding, continuous assessment in place of continual testing, support tools from local and other sources,” he advocated. Delivering a paper titled: “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education for all Children in Nigeria: Addressing the Challenge of Out-Of-School-Children”, Prof Obanya called for disaggregated data and enhanced inter-agency synergy, the institution of systematic monitoring and targeted funding as part of measures to put the nation’s education back on track and tackle the Out-Of-School-Children menace. He urged the managers of the education sector to revisit and be guided by the implementation guidelines on Universal Basic Education (UBE),1999, UBE Roadmap, 2015 and the National Teacher Education Policy to reset the sector for sustainable growth amd development. Purpose Of the Summit Dr. Olatunji-David, represented by Mrs Joy Onoja, Director, Public asic Education Education said the main objectives of the Bootcamp are to: Assemble Basic Education stakeholders to deliberate on Policy, practice and implementation gaps facing the sub-sector. Ensure responsiveness of state ministries of Education (SMoEs) in compliance with National Education Policy decisions and programmes. Harmonize and coordinate resources and activities in the Basic Education sub-sector towards the achievement of national goals and aspirations. Monitor the progress of states and ensure reporting to the Federal Ministry of Education for proper coordination. The summit will review the implementation status, that is assess the extent to which recommendations have been implemented, identify best practices, share successful strategies and experience, address implementation gaps, refine strategies, foster collaboration, inform policy decisions, monitor progress and identify resource gaps.Medtronic plc ( NYSE:MDT – Get Free Report ) shares fell 0% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $81.22 and last traded at $81.53. 509,463 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 92% from the average session volume of 6,238,044 shares. The stock had previously closed at $81.54. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price objective on Medtronic from $96.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 20th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Medtronic from $93.00 to $89.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 18th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Medtronic from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 1st. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Medtronic from $96.00 to $93.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Medtronic currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $95.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MDT Medtronic Stock Down 1.1 % Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 19th. The medical technology company reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $8.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.27 billion. Medtronic had a net margin of 13.00% and a return on equity of 13.79%. Medtronic’s revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.25 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Medtronic plc will post 5.45 earnings per share for the current year. Medtronic Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 10th. Investors of record on Friday, December 27th will be given a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.47%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 27th. Medtronic’s dividend payout ratio is currently 85.63%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Medtronic Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of MDT. Fortitude Family Office LLC purchased a new position in shares of Medtronic during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Highline Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in Medtronic in the third quarter valued at $27,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Medtronic in the third quarter worth about $27,000. J. Stern & Co. LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Medtronic during the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Chelsea Counsel Co. acquired a new stake in shares of Medtronic during the 3rd quarter valued at about $45,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.06% of the company’s stock. About Medtronic ( Get Free Report ) Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Medtronic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medtronic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
ST. PAUL – Hunting pheasants, ruffed grouse, squirrels or rabbits offers Minnesota hunters opportunities to continue enjoying the outdoors as temperatures fall and snow blankets the landscape, the Department of Natural Resources said. Here’s a look at season dates for the small game species. Fisher, martin and bobcat trapping opens Saturday, Dec. 14, so hunters should be aware of the potential for additional traps in the woods. Hunters can find regulations and complete bag limit information on the DNR website at . More information about how or where to hunt can be found on the DNR’s learn to hunt webpages at . Recorded webinars with tips on how to hunt pheasants, grouse, squirrels or rabbits are available in the webinar archive on the outdoor skills and stewardship page of the Minnesota DNR website at .All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. If you’re looking for a new pair of sneakers for playing basketball, then Skechers is a fantastic pick for hooping on the hardwood or blacktop — thanks to the sneaker company’s signature “ Comfort That Performs “, when it comes to style, comfort, and performance on the court. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news In fact, Skechers are the go-to sneakers for a number of NBA superstar players, such as Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, Julius Randle of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Terance Mann of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Jabari Walker of the Portland Trail Blazers. The sneaker brand also signed their first WNBA superstar player Rickea Jackson of the Los Angeles Sparks this summer. For basketball, there are four signature styles, the SKX Float , SKX Nexus , SKX Reign , and SKX Resagrip styles, that offer speed, quickness, mobility, balance, support and stability when hooping up and down the court. Shop the Skechers Basketball sneakers , below: The Skechers SKX Float sneakers feature elements for performance and support with locked-down heels for stability and the company’s “HYPER BURST” cushioning for additional bounce. The sneakers are durable — thanks to Goodyear Rubber. Yup, the same Goodyear that makes car tires. These shoes are just that tough. The SKX Float comes in three colorways and various unisex sizes. For fast and super responsive performance on the basketball court, then the Skechers SKX Nexus are a fantastic pick with their low-top and breathable design. These sneakers are made with Goodyear Rubber for additional traction and grip on the hardwood or blacktop. The SKX Nexus comes in four colorways and a number of unisex sizes. The Skechers SKX Reign sneakers offer speed with the company’s “HYPER BURST PRO” and “Carbon Infused” design and traction with Goodyear Rubber. The shoes have a mid-top design with stability and support for your feet and ankles when playing basketball, while their “HYPER BURST” midsole gives players cushioning and bounce. They’re also vegan! The SKX Reign comes in four colorways and sizes for men and women. The SKX Resagrip is a lightweight court shoe that provides premier comfort and support with an enhanced collar foam for ankle control. Perfect for players who move at top speed, these court-ready sneakers also feature a TPU plate for midfoot support, as well as Skechers “HYPER BURST PRO” technology for increased cushioning and response. The SKX Resagrip currently comes in six colorways and sizes for men and women. Want more? Skechers has more sneakers in various styles and colorways available from the sneaker company’s basketball collection , below: For more product recommendations , check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals , studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories .
PayPal Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PYPL – Get Free Report )’s share price dropped 0% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $87.26 and last traded at $88.24. Approximately 882,702 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 93% from the average daily volume of 12,916,177 shares. The stock had previously closed at $88.25. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have weighed in on PYPL shares. Phillip Securities reiterated an “accumulate” rating and issued a $90.00 price target (up from $80.00) on shares of PayPal in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Piper Sandler reiterated a “neutral” rating and set a $88.00 target price on shares of PayPal in a research report on Friday, November 22nd. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of PayPal from a “peer perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $107.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 13th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on shares of PayPal from $83.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on PayPal from $74.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-one have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, PayPal presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $88.42. Get Our Latest Research Report on PayPal PayPal Stock Down 1.5 % PayPal ( NASDAQ:PYPL – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The credit services provider reported $1.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $7.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.88 billion. PayPal had a net margin of 14.08% and a return on equity of 23.44%. The firm’s revenue was up 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.97 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that PayPal Holdings, Inc. will post 4.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PayPal A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC increased its stake in PayPal by 7.4% during the 3rd quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 1,810 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. First United Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of PayPal by 6.4% during the third quarter. First United Bank & Trust now owns 2,395 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $187,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Management lifted its position in PayPal by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 4,724 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $369,000 after acquiring an additional 152 shares in the last quarter. Laraway Financial Advisors Inc boosted its stake in PayPal by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Laraway Financial Advisors Inc now owns 4,228 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $330,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the period. Finally, SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC increased its holdings in PayPal by 50.6% during the 2nd quarter. SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 497 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.32% of the company’s stock. PayPal Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) PayPal Holdings, Inc operates a technology platform that enables digital payments on behalf of merchants and consumers worldwide. It operates a two-sided network at scale that connects merchants and consumers that enables its customers to connect, transact, and send and receive payments through online and in person, as well as transfer and withdraw funds using various funding sources, such as bank accounts, PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products comprising its installment products, credit and debit cards, and cryptocurrencies, as well as other stored value products, including gift cards and eligible rewards. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PayPal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PayPal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .UK battery pack manufacturer achieves safety accreditation to power growth – Alexander Battery Technologies A global battery pack manufacturer headquartered in Peterlee has achieved ISO 45001 certification. The globally recognised standard reinforces Alexander Battery Technologies’ commitment to health and safety while delivering high-quality solutions to customers worldwide and supporting future growth. This certification comes as ABT builds on over 40 years of manufacturing excellence across the UK and abroad. With more than 15 million battery products delivered globally, the company has proven its ability to scale operations to meet demand, including ramping up production to nearly 300% during the Covid 19 pandemic. By embedding safety and efficiency into its operations, the manufacturer remains a trusted partner for industries such as medical devices, robotics, eVTOL and industrial power tools. As the company continues its growth trajectory, it’s on track to reach £20M+ in revenue by 2026 and is targeting £30M in 2028, driven by ongoing investments, an expanding team and long-term projects that provide sustained revenue. , Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Battery Technologies, said: ABT’s recent investments in safety and training demonstrate its practical approach to improvement. An intensive IEC 61508 Functional Safety course equipped engineers with advanced knowledge to embed safety principles across products and processes. This aligns directly with ISO 45001’s framework and supports the manufacturer’s ability to operate confidently in high-stakes markets. adds: “Achieving ISO 45001 reinforces our position as a forward-thinking manufacturer and sets a strong example for other businesses both nationally and internationally.” the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at UK battery pack manufacturer achieves safety accreditation to power growth – Alexander Battery Technologies Bonfire test confirms safety of the SAG LH2 liquid hydrogen tank system even in extreme conditions The liquid hydrogen tank system for trucks developed by SAG Group (www.sag.at) has reached a last milestone on the way... BBC – Hydrogen plant plans on hold after safety concerns Plans to build a controversial hydrogen energy facility have been put on hold after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) raised concerns. Japanese firm... Australia – The Hyundai Nexo has been recalled due to a fault which could cause the hydrogen-powered vehicle to catch fire Hyundai Australia has recalled 35 examples of the hydrogen-powered Nexo due to a fault...By KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.New Delhi: The government has cautioned OTT platforms of further regulatory scrutiny if they are found streaming content that inadvertently promotes, glamourises or glorifies the use of drugs through the main protagonist and other actors without disclaimers or user warnings. In an advisory to OTT platforms, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said, “Such a portrayal has serious repercussions, particularly regarding the potential influence on young and impressionable viewers.” Citing the Code of Ethics for OTT platforms, the advisory asked them to exercise due diligence in content review and issue disclaimers or user warning for any programming that contains depiction of drug use. “OTT platforms are requested to voluntarily conform to these guidelines in the larger public interest. Non-compliance may result in further regulatory scrutiny, especially in the light of the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985,” the advisory said. The Code of Ethics for OTT platforms provides that a publisher shall not transmit, publish or exhibit any content prohibited under any law for the time being in force or by any court of competent jurisdiction. The advisory has also been shared with the self-regulatory bodies of OTT platforms.
Rosa Handley Hooper Sells 3,000 Shares of Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW) StockBy KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.