The holidays are a good time to catch up with family and friends. They’re a good time for what I call “generational wisdom” – those stories the younger generations hear from their parents and grandparents.
Here are a few ways to bring up those conversations. They’re a way to get your parents talking about their childhood, growing up, and family history. You might even get some wonderful lessons about love, life and what matters most.
Ask Questions
You can start the conversation with questions. Here’s my list in no particular order:
- What did you like most about growing up in your hometown?
- How did you meet your spouse/partner?
- How did you know he/she was “the one”?
- What do you remember most about your mom/grandmother?
- What do you remember most about your dad/grandfather?
- How did you choose your career? What was/is your favorite part of it?
- What did you do in… the military, in college, in high school, in your first job, on your first date?
- What are some of your first memories?
- Do you remember when somebody (mom, dad, aunt, uncle) was born?
Pull Out a Few Old Pictures (or all of them)
Select a a few old pictures to pass around. People will naturally start talking about the people, the places, and the events..
You can even bring out photo albums and the boxes of unsorted pictures. But selecting a few pictures ahead of time is enough to start the conversations.
If you don’t have old prints, you can select a few digital images you have, and get them printed at a local drug store or retail photo printer. I suggest one copy. Passing around that single copy of a picture prompts the conversations.
Those Who are Gone: Go Through Funeral Cards, Prayer Cards
If your family keeps funeral cards or prayer cards, go through them. Read out the names and dates. Pass them around. You can learn about family members you never met or barely knew.
Send Your Own Generational Wisdom Questions
If you have the perfect question to spark a conversation, let me know. I appreciate any ideas you have.
You can send your ideas on the Contact Us page.