Puzzles are a great way to gather friends and family into casual conversation. I am fortunate enough to have an empty table in a corner that I can fill with a puzzle in progress. It is amazing how many people gravitate to it - "just to put in one piece". (And of course they stay awhile!)
The holidays are a time where puzzles are wonderful at helping to balance the hectic pace to be slower, more comfortable, and enjoyable as you slow down and take things easier.
Puzzles are especially great to take to the cottage, where the challenge of a puzzle can be met with a relaxed intensity.