November is National Stories Month

Our Community written by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The holiday season is upon us. It’s a season for traditions, from favorite family recipes and special trips to the perfect gift and the magic of making memories. And even though year after year, we tend to get caught up in all the hustle, bustle and shopping frenzy, at the end of the day, we all agree that the time spent with family and friends is what it is truly all about.

Family traditions and the stories behind them hold a special place in our hearts, especially this time of year. And it’s the reason why November is Family Stories Month. This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table to give thanks for your many blessings, take some time to listen to and share stories with your relatives, both young and old.

Make your Thanksgiving extra special this year by asking family members to share some of their own special stories. A great place to begin is by going around the table and asking everyone to share a favorite story about their childhood. If they can’t think of one, start with something easy like “What was your favorite cartoon growing up?” or “What is/was your least favorite subject in school?” Make sure to include even the youngest family members.

There are many benefits to telling our stories. Sharing them with our kids helps them to feel a deeper, more personal connection with loved ones, especially the ones they may have never met. It also humanizes us in the eyes of a child. Kids love to hear stories from when their parents and grandparents were young. “Really, Mom, you used to want to be a chef when you grew up? That’s funny because you always say your favorite meal is take-out!”

These “back in the old days” memories often elicit looks of shock and disbelief when they hear tales of life before remote controls, cell phones and yes, even Amazon.

But not everyone can rattle off great stories at the drop of a hat like Grandpa, so you may want to let your guests know about your plan to celebrate Family Stories Month ahead of time. Allow everyone time to prepare by sending them some questions and memory prompts or asking them to bring photos or meaningful mementos. Here are a few questions to get you started:

What is something you’re really good at?

Name something you were scared to do but did it anyway.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Tell us about a time you were proud of yourself.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

What is something special about our family?

Sharing your stories doesn’t have to just be reserved for the dinner table. The holiday can be extra fun if you break out some old vinyl records and your best dance moves! Or gather around the kitchen counter to share how to make your grandmother’s famous pumpkin bread. Did you and your siblings have a favorite board game growing up? Teach the kids how to play it and share the stories about how your brother or sister always “found a way” to win!

We all have stories to tell, stories that inspire and stories that give us a sense of belonging. Some are stories that teach us, and some can make us laugh until we cry. May we never tire of sharing the memories of the past and taking the time for making new memories together. It is a tradition that will give your children and future generations great stories for years to come and will inspire them to continue to write more chapters in the family memoir.