Each year at Thanksgiving, families gather to share love, laughter and a big meal.  This year, how about adding something else to share?  Your stories!

Invite each of your guests to bring a favorite or interesting family heirloom to share and talk about. (This includes friend guests as well!) As abundant as the food on the table, so are the stories of these family treasures. Mysterious, enlightening, and heartwarming items to laugh, cry and reminisce over. As insignificant or simple as some of these things may be, if they offer insight to our relatives’ lives, our hearts grow fonder and those memories become ingrained in who we are and who we want to be for the future.

By sharing our stories, facts about our loved ones, we are connecting with our families (and friends) on a different and perhaps whole new level – developing deeper understanding of one another through our loved ones who have gone before us.

So many times we hear the regretful words “I wish I would have…” or “I don’t remember…”.  If we take the time now, if we put forth the effort NOW, not only will our hearts be filled but our family bonds will be strengthened and cherished all the more. There’s no time like the present to ask our relatives questions about their history. And, to start documenting these stories for ourselves and future generations.

If you haven’t already, take a look at Heirloom Vault. Here you can permanently memorialize the stories of your family heirlooms as well as other important information.  This holiday season is the perfect time to sit with family (and friends!) and start preserving your heritage!

I know in my own family there are a few precious family members that will be missing from the table this year. Heirloom Vault is a wonderful way to honor them and carry on their legacy, as well as my own.

But most of all, let’s give thanks. Not only this Thanksgiving but every day. Let’s be thankful for our present family, our ancestors, and those who will come after us because we were here. May you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season!

Don’t leave loved ones guessing about your legacy