Laugh Out Loud: How Telestrations Can Spread Joy on National Spread Joy Day

What’s the easiest way to spread joy and laughter? Grab a marker, sketch something hilariously unrecognizable, and see how it transforms through a chain of guesses! Today is National Spread Joy Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by gathering friends and family for a round (or three) of Telestrations—the perfect party game that guarantees laughs, smiles, and plenty of happy memories.

At its core, Telestrations is a game about creativity and unpredictability. It’s a fun-filled fusion of the classic game of “telephone” with drawing. Players start by sketching a secret word or phrase and pass their drawing to the next person, who then writes down what they think the drawing is. This chain continues until, in a final reveal, players share how their original idea evolved—often with hilarious, unexpected, and completely absurd results! The unpredictable transformations between sketches and guesses are where the magic happens, creating a domino effect of joy.

National Spread Joy Day is all about simple acts that bring happiness to others, and what could be more joyful than the shared laughter of friends? Telestrations invites players of all ages and drawing skills to bond over humor and creativity. Whether you’re a skilled artist or someone who can only draw stick figures, everyone’s contributions are celebrated for their charm and comedic value. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about sharing those moments of pure, collective joy.

Spread Joy with Any Game You Play Today

While Telestrations is an obvious contender for today’s festivities, the truth is that any board game has the power to spread joy and bring people closer together. The key is to choose games that encourage teamwork, laughter, or fun challenges. A game night is a simple but powerful way to celebrate National Spread Joy Day by creating lasting memories through shared experiences.

Here are a few more games that are perfect for spreading joy today:

• The Mind – This cooperative card game relies on a silent connection between players as you work together to play cards in ascending order without talking. It fosters teamwork and is filled with moments of quiet intensity and burst-out-laughing mistakes when someone jumps the gun!
• Hanabi – A clever cooperative game where players can't see their own cards, and must rely on hints from their teammates to create a stunning firework display. It’s an exercise in trust and collaboration that feels rewarding with each successful round.
• Just One – In this word-guessing party game, everyone works together to provide single-word clues to help the guesser figure out the secret word. It’s simple, easy to learn, and every successful guess is a shared moment of triumph.
• Happy Salmon – A fast-paced, super silly game where players frantically try to match hand gestures like high-fiving and “switching spots” with other players. It’s impossible to play without smiling, and it’s perfect for quick rounds of chaotic fun.
• Dixit – A whimsical and creative storytelling game, Dixit has players interpret beautiful, abstract images to tell stories. It encourages imagination, and the surreal, sometimes funny interpretations of the illustrations spark joy as players share their thoughts.

Each of these games taps into the same spirit of connection, cooperation, and laughter that makes National Spread Joy Day so special. Whether it’s through shared creativity in Telestrations or building trust in The Mind, every game you play today can bring a little more positivity into the world.

Let the Joy Begin!

So, why not make today extra special by hosting a Telestrations game night—or trying out one of these other joy-inducing games? Gather your loved ones, grab some snacks, and prepare for an evening of laughter and fun. You’ll not only brighten your own day but spread joy to everyone at the table, one goofy drawing or hilarious guess at a time.

After all, on National Spread Joy Day, the most important thing is to spend time with people you care about and create moments filled with happiness, whether through sketches, clues, or just sharing a laugh together.

Image created using DALL-E.