A moment of silence please for those among us who will sit down this holiday season to awkward conversations, prickly interrogations and unwelcome political jousting. Do we really need another round of Uncle Harry’s latest conspiracy theory gleaned from Facebook? And how many times in one year can Aunt Tilly ask when she’ll dance at your daughter’s wedding?
Despite the plethora of suggestions out there to guide us through the political and social minefield that is 2019, The Story Project is offering it’s own List. We begin by suggesting that everyone at the table or around the fireplace turn inward. Make the season a true family event. Here are five questions to help get you started:
• To Your Grandparents: How did you meet each other? Was it a long courtship? Did your parents pray for a wedding or beg you to break up?
• To Your Parents: What was the best-ever family vacation? What was the worst? How did you celebrate the holidays when you were young?
• To Your Siblings: What’s your favorite Christmas/Hanukkah/ holiday memory? And your funniest?
• To Your Kids: What traditions, favorite dishes included, do you most want our family to continue and to pass down to your children?
A few things to remember:
• Avoid yes or no answers by asking open-ended questions. For example, you met Grandpa in New York? How did that come about?
• A good interviewer gives the subject space and time to answer. Sit back, relax and let the stories wash over you.
• It’s about fun and tapping into family memories. If you ask heartfelt questions and listen deeply, you never know where the conversation will lead.
The Story Project team wishes you a holiday season full of memories and wonderful stories to tell.
