Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/17/00
Release: Immediate
Contacts:
Colleen Jolly, Human Development and Families Studies,
515-294-4824
Carol Ouverson, Extension Communication Systems,
515-294-9640
Share Holiday Storytime
AMES, Iowa -- Tell stories every day but make a special effort to tell stories at holiday family gatherings, say Iowa State University family life specialists.
Most families live in households of only one or two generations and keeping in touch with other generations of extended family can be difficult. Several generations have a chance to share their stories when families gather during the holidays.
Stories enhance family strengths by:
- building a feeling of belonging,
- helping family members be more sensitive to the needs of
others,
- teaching family history, and
- making opportunities for positive communication between
generations.
Encourage family story telling by trying one of the following ideas.
Have someone write down those shared memories or record family stories with an audiotape recorder or a video camera.
Treasure that Story
When thinking about giving a special family "treasure" or
collectible to a younger family member, don't give it away
without including its special story too. Whether it's a
family heirloom carried by hand from another country, or a
gift that was received on a special birthday, a family
treasure accompanied with a story will mean more to the
receiver.
Picture a Memory:
Take one old photograph, add a person or people who
remember, and gather some listeners. The result will be some
great stories. Look through family photos and find the
unknowns in the pictures. Then let family members begin
sharing the real history shown in the photo.
Happenings
On individual slips of paper write such things as: the
funniest thing that ever happened; the most embarrassing;
the scariest, etc. Give each person a few minutes to think
of something to tell about his or her statement. Or let
everyone around a table respond to the same question.
Adopt a Grandchild/Grandparent
Many children and elders don't have the opportunity to spend
holiday time with their grandparents or grandchildren.
Opportunities to build a grand-relationship with another
person may be available through volunteer centers, religious
organizations, immigrant organizations or children's
homes.
Iowa State University Extension focuses on strengthening families of all ages. Visit "Sharing Your Stories: A Family Scrapbook," a Web site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sharing, for more ideas on building intergenerational understanding.
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.