How to make the holidays more meaningful through conversation

The Holiday season is traditionally a time when we all get together with our families and celebrate while having meaningful conversations. With 2020 not looking the same, more people are still finding ways to come together, such as a simple phone call or a zoom meeting. There are always ways we can connect and share discussions. By encouraging talk with questions from the past, present, and future, we can enrich the bonds we share. 

The important thing is to connect with our loved ones over the holidays with those meaningful conversations. Even if it’s just a simple phone call, coming together is still a way to unite and share those moments. Sometimes we need a little help to get those talks started in the right direction. 

Here are a few questions that can help get your family holiday gabfest going in an exciting direction. They can be shared with an individual or with the entire family as a group to help spark and create some cherished experiences. 

Past 

• What are our family traditions, and how did they begin?
• Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why? Tell us all about them.
• What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your life? 
• How has your life been different from what you thought it was going to be?
• What did you want to be when you grew up, and why did you choose the path you did?

Present 

• What are the family values that we share?
• What is our family’s meaning of success?
• What are you most proud of in our family?
• What do you think your contribution to the family is?
• How can we develop a sense of togetherness in our family while still encouraging each person’s identity?

• As a family, what sort of impact do we want to have on society?
• Where do you see our family in 20 years?
• What is the most precious thing we can give our children?
• What are the most significant family traditions, lessons, possessions, and stories that we want to pass to the next generation?
• What piece of wisdom or advice would you like to share with future generations?

I would suggest that you allow every family member to feel seen and heard. Give each person a moment to answer and share their perspective. These questions are here to help builds more significant ties within your family, so take your time and enjoy the time well spent. Sharing heart-to-heart conversation can lead to greater harmony as a family over the holidays and often ends up as the best gift.