As the holidays approach every year, I build up the perfect festive scene: sparkling decorations expertly hung, a sumptuous feast worthy of a Martha Stewart Living Magazine Cover, presents wrapped precisely in coordinating paper and bows, every gift of clothing fits, and there are enough batteries for all the new toys.
Obviously, we know this is an impossible dream—something inevitably does not go as planned. As I think through the memories of my Christmases past (said in the voice of Bob Cratchit), it isn’t the wrapping, the decorations, the food, or the gifts that are my top holiday memories. What emerges as the most cherished part of my holiday memories are my friends and family and the stories that were shared around the table and tree.
As gifts were opened and meals enjoyed, each moment became an opportunity for my mom, dad, or grandparents to connect the moment to a memory. A story would be shared, and then that story ignited another story, and on it would go. We would laugh and listen while aunts, uncles, and parents chimed in, adding their own twists to the tales, creating a tapestry of shared history and joy.
The best seasoning for any meal or moment is a good story. Sharing stories is fun and entertaining, and they can also help us connect, heal, and remember. Stories are vital; storytelling is in our DNA. In an age where technology often isolates us, the U.S. Surgeon General warns of a loneliness epidemic impacting our health equivalent to that of a 15 cigarettes a day smoker. The solution? Heartfelt, face-to-face connections through storytelling. The best seasoning for any meal or moment is a good story.
There are many ways to connect and stir the pot of family stories, and the timing is perfect now that the holidays are here. I’ve included a few ideas that will help you on your way!
Under the Plate: Place a question under each dinner plate and, when dinner is over, take turns answering them. This activity can be a wonderful way to learn new things about each other, such as favorite childhood pets, games, or cherished memories. We have played this during regular dinner times, outside of the holidays, and my kids would keep careful track of whose turn it was to come up with the questions. It also gave them a fun opportunity to ask about things they wanted to know about us, especially from when we were kids.
Guess the picture: This game is particularly enjoyable with multiple generations present. Everyone brings a black and white photocopy of a baby picture (3 and under). On the back, they write three secret facts about themselves. Upon arrival the pictures are given to the host ONLY. When it is time to play, the host lays them out. One at a time, someone picks a picture and reads the back while the guessing begins. The person whose picture it is does not reveal anything until all the facts are read.
Grab a Game: There are many great story games out there! All the work is done for you—just pick a card. One of my favorites is StoryPrism because it is designed to cover different eras of life like Early Life, Mid-Life, Later Life & Reflection. Another great family story game is Tell Me Your Story by Deseret Book. The game is comprised of 200 beautifully designed cards that contain questions to invite open and insightful discussion, relive memories, and celebrate each other. Love and connection are not found under the tree but in what is around it.
Make this a tradition all year long, not just during the holidays.
Remember, while games and activities can help, the best stories often arise spontaneously. Gather around the table, enjoy delicious food, and let the stories flow naturally. Prioritize these moments of connection, for they are the true gifts that endure. Love and connection are not found under the tree but in what is around it—all the stories. The real treasure is you and me.
Now, what’s it going to be? Ham or turkey?
