Practice vs Play

Children, and really adults I think, learn best when at play. Play is an important part of life, and I wonder of the modern age hasn't taken play away. Instead we have competition. How does this pertain to the violin, and the fiddle? I believe that when we approach playing (yeah, playing) the violin from a perspective of play, of exploration, adventure, we can learn more easily. The mind in a state of play is open, receptive, ready to absorbe. So as we enter the madness of Christmas shopping, the hussle and bussle, try to find time to play music together with your family and friends. Approach it not from a point of showing off, but from just being with those you love.