The holidays bring us together, filling our homes with laughter, delicious meals, and the warmth of shared traditions. Whether you’re celebrating Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Eid, or a family reunion, these gatherings offer a rare opportunity to connect. Yet, amidst the celebrations, we often miss the deeper chance to uncover the stories and lessons that shape our family’s legacy.
Every gathering is unique, with loved ones carrying their memories, wisdom, and perspectives. However, life is ever-changing. Some faces may not be there next year—loved ones may move away, embark on new adventures, or sadly, pass on. This makes the present moment all the more precious.
How do we use our time together to create cherished memories and honour the stories of those we love? One way is to bring a twist to a beloved Toastmasters tradition: Table Topics, a tool for sparking reflection, connection, and storytelling.
Why Family Stories Matter
Family stories are the lifeblood of connection. They tell us who we are, where we come from, and what we value. These stories carry lessons from past generations, providing a compass for navigating life’s challenges. Yet many remain untold, waiting for the right moment—or the right question—to be shared.
I experienced this in conversations with my uncle. Over the past year, he’s shared remarkable stories about my grandfather, his career, and life lessons. I learned he led the charge to build a monument in his city—a testament to his civic leadership—and once managed over 50 rental properties, showing his entrepreneurial spirit. These stories aren’t just fascinating; they reflect the resilience, creativity, and values that shaped my family.
Hearing these stories made me think: What if we could bring these conversations to the entire family? What if holiday gatherings could be about more than celebration—about sharing reflections and stories that create deeper connections?
Adapting Table Topics for the Holidays
Table Topics is a beloved Toastmasters activity designed to help participants think on their feet and share short, impromptu responses to questions. With a little creativity, this activity can be adapted to your holiday gathering, transforming the table into a space for storytelling, reflection, and connection.
Here’s how to bring it to life:
- Set the Stage: Explain your idea to loved ones and why it matters to you. Share that it’s about honoring the stories and lessons that make your family unique.
- Prepare the Prompts: Write thoughtful, holiday-themed questions in advance. You can put them in a decorative jar or assign questions based on each person’s experiences.
- Invite Participation: Encourage everyone, from the youngest to the eldest, to take part. Even quieter family members often surprise you with their insights.
- Lead by Example: Begin with your own response to set the tone for vulnerability and connection, making it easier for others to open up.
Thoughtful Questions for Family Legacy
The key to meaningful conversations is asking the right questions. Here are some prompts to inspire storytelling and reflection:
Lessons from the Past
- “What’s a lesson your parents or grandparents taught you that still shapes your life today?”
- “What’s a piece of advice you’ve carried with you, and who gave it to you?”
- “What’s something you learned the hard way but are grateful for now?”
Cherished Memories
- “What’s your favorite memory from a holiday or special occasion?”
- “What’s a moment from this past year that you’ll treasure forever?”
- “If you could relive one family gathering, which one would it be, and why?”
Family Legacy
- “What’s a tradition or value you hope future generations will carry on?”
- “What’s something about our family or cultural history that more people should know?”
- “Who in our family inspires you the most, and why?”
Dreams and Aspirations
- “If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation, what would it be?”
- “What’s a dream you’ve had for our family, and how can we make it happen?”
- “What’s something you’d like to accomplish in the coming year?”
The Impact of Sharing Stories
Sharing stories strengthens bonds and creates a collective memory. Each story becomes a thread in your family’s tapestry, offering future generations a rich inheritance of values, resilience, and love. These moments become even more powerful when we realize their impermanence. Faces around the table will change over time, and some stories may be lost if we don’t listen and preserve them now.
Preserving the Memories
To make these moments last, consider ways to capture and preserve the stories:
- Record the Stories: Use a phone or camera to record responses. These recordings can become priceless keepsakes for future generations.
- Create a Memory Book: Compile the stories into a family memory book, including photos and reflections from each person.
- Celebrate the Legacy: Reflect on what you’ve learned from each person and how their stories inspire you. Use these reflections to strengthen your own values and relationships.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
No matter the holiday or occasion, the gathering of loved ones offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect deeply and celebrate shared history. By bringing Table Topics to your celebration, you’re doing more than starting a fun activity—you’re creating a tradition of connection, reflection, and love. You’re honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.
So this season, whether you’re lighting a diya, kindling candles, or raising a glass, ask a question that sparks a memory. You might just hear a story that changes your life—and leave a legacy that lasts for generations.
About the Author
Traca Savadogo is a professional speaker specializing in neuroscience and connection and a member of multiple Toastmasters clubs. She is pursuing the Accredited Speaker designation through Toastmasters, sharing her expertise with audiences worldwide. Her TEDx talk, Why You Should Regularly Talk with Strangers, has been featured on TED.com, translated into 15 languages, and continues to inspire global audiences. Traca credits Table Topics for helping her deepen relationships and spark meaningful conversations, both on stage and around the table.