What are your family traditions? Do you tell stories in your family? Here are 5 ways to make family storytelling a tradition.
Faithful Readers, I’m gonna be real with you—storytelling isn’t just a nostalgic throwback, it’s magical. When we actually sit down, put the phones away, and just talk, something incredible happens. Those random family stories? The ones your grandpa tells for the hundredth time, or the embarrassing childhood memories that make everyone laugh? They’re our real connection to each other. They keep the tradition of Family Storytelling alive.
In this unpredictable digital world where we’re all glued to our screens, a Family Storytelling Tradition sounds nice—even essential. It’s how we remember who we are, where we came from, and keep our family’s heart beating. Trust me, these moments matter way more than another mindless scroll through social media.
Some of you might say that I am being a bit dramatic, but here is what I mean by “essential.” Upon reflection on family, I’ve come to see it as far more than just a biological connection. Family is not simply a group of humans related to each other by blood; rather, there is a profound spiritual and emotional system that operates within a family. Remarkably, that connection has the power to transform thought both from within the family and beyond its immediate boundaries. Consequently, we have an extraordinary opportunity to shape that connection for great good through the tradition of storytelling, thereby making Family Storytelling a transformative tradition. https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/a-tradition-of-storytelling
Stewards of Stories: Investing in what matters
At best, the family is divinely inspired https://www.bible.com/bible/116/DEU.11.18-19. There are many scriptures that speak about God’s love for family. After all, our home is a sacred space where life’s most critical lessons are learned and fundamental truths are spoken. So, story time whether familial or spiritual represents where our children learn love, spiritual growth, and character development. Children learn compassion, values, and how to understand divine principles.
On the other hand, the same family unit can inflict profound and lasting damage. Abuse, neglect, and spiritual misdirection can wound a child deeply, scarring them throughout life. The way parents nurture, or fail to nurture, can determine a child’s emotional, spiritual, and relational trajectory. Moreover, family is not just a group of humans related by blood, but a critical divine design with the power to build up or tear down, illuminate or obscure, heal or harm. Therefore, what story needs to be told in homes? The key lies in establishing storytelling as a tradition to intentionally nurture a child’s holistic development.
I recently read a story that by the end of 2100 Christians will be outnumbered, by other religions. Mostly because of population growth, but also because we are not sharing biblical stories to our children. Many Christians also choose to stay home instead of going to church with our children. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_of_religion So what can we do? Here are 5 ways to make storytelling a tradition in the home and secure our Family Storytelling Legacy.
1. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
To make storytelling a tradition, Look for moments that naturally lend themselves to sharing stories
Create the atmosphere, whether its around the table, in the car, at bedtime, during family night, the right atmosphere can turn an ordinary evening into a storytelling wonderland. Dim the lights, light some candles, or even build a small indoor fort with blankets and pillows. Gather everyone in a circle, perhaps around a fireplace or with a crackling sound effect playing in the background. Encourage everyone to get comfortable—this is going to be an adventure.
2. Choose Your Stories: Mix the Old with the New
One of the joys of Family Storytelling Night is the variety of stories that can be shared. Mix it up by including both biblical stories and classic family tales that have been passed down over the years. Add new stories from recent experiences. Encourage each family member to share something—whether it’s a funny incident from the past week, a spooky story perfect for a dark night, or a beloved tale about an ancestor who seems larger than life. The blend of old and new keeps the tradition fresh and exciting, making Family Storytelling a tradition to treasure.
3. It should Involve Everyone: Make It Interactive
Invite your loved ones to share their stories.
The best stories are those that draw everyone in, making the experience interactive and engaging. Encourage your family members to ask questions, offer their own twists on the tale, or act out parts of the story. You could even turn the storytelling into a game—each person adds a sentence to the story, and the next person has to continue it. This not only makes the night more fun but also encourages creativity and collaboration. Decide when you will begin this new adventure, and do it. Will you do it every day, every Tuesday, or every 3rd Friday of the month? Start small and add as you go.
4. Capture the Moments: Preserve the Magic
Don’t let these precious moments fade away—find ways to preserve the stories shared during your Family Storytelling Tradition. You could record the sessions on video, write down the stories in a family journal, or even create a scrapbook with drawings and notes from the night. These keepsakes will become cherished mementos, allowing you to relive the magic of these evenings for years to come, making Family Storytelling a beloved tradition.
5. Make the tradition of Family storytelling One to Remember!
Make it fun. Choose a theme, a person, or a holiday and share favorite stories about it.
Decide when you will begin this new tradition, and do it. Will you do it every day, every Tuesday, or every 3rd Friday of the month? Start small and add as you go. So are you ready to start your own Family Storytelling Night? Gather your loved ones, pick a night, and dive into a world of tales, laughter, and memories. Who knows? The stories you share today might become the legends your grandchildren tell their own children someday. So, grab that blanket, dim the lights, and let the magic begin!
Conclusion
Making Family Storytelling Night a tradition is more than just an evening of entertainment; it’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds, pass down traditions, and celebrate the richness of your family’s history. It can be a way of making sure your family is sharing the love of God together. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with the people who matter most. So, whether your tales are epic sagas or simple anecdotes, what matters most is the time spent together—and perhaps a little dramatic flair to keep everyone on the edge of their seat!
In His Grip – Kathryn
