|
The Perfect Gift: Writing a Family History by Linda C. Senn What gift is both timely and timeless, and doesn’t need batteries, instructions, or a return receipt? How about a written family history? Everybody in the family can take a hand in producing it. A wealth of laughter, bonding, and new memories can come from working on it together. That is the first half of the perfect gift. Announce your plan at a get-together when most of the family is present. But before you do so, write a one-page, abbreviated family tree with a few memory jogger questions, paste in some clip art or family photos, and print it on brightly colored paper. Pass those sheets around at the family’s gatherings. That is your lead in. (The request for volunteers will be more successful if some preliminary work has already been done.) Then explain your goal and the relatively simple process of achieving it – with their help. Invite a few who seem particularly enthusiastic to join in the planning phase, and set a date for the first get-together. When you meet, assign tasks such as …
For some family members, especially parents and grandparents, everyone can add their favorite anecdotes. What were their most cherished traits, and what lessons were learned from them? When you picture each one in your mind, what do you see? The most fascinating entries contain a variety of information:
And be sure to tell the stories of the horse thieves, bootleggers, and politicians. As George Bernard Shaw said, “If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.” They are all entertaining in hindsight! Copies of the book can be printed at a local print shop. A book of family history and the joyful working together to create it are priceless…both timely and timeless. The perfect gift.
For additional information, contact Linda Senn at Linda@PenCentralOnline.com
Check out our other articles:
|