As the end of another year approaches, do you ever like to look back and reminisce on the past?
As the festive season approaches, it's the perfect time to consider starting new traditions that can bring everyone closer together. One meaningful way to do this is through family journaling. Not only does family journaling allow you to document your experiences, but it also fosters connection and encourages open communication.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to kick off this delightful tradition and make it a cherished part of your holiday celebrations for years to come.
Gratitude Journaling
There has never been a better time to reflect on what you’re grateful for than the holidays! This could be a fun tradition to start at Thanksgiving. Have everyone go around the table and say something they’re grateful for, and then hand out blank journals and pens to everyone. Introduce the idea of writing down 1-3 things they’re grateful for each day for the next year.
There are many benefits to gratitude journaling. There are mental health and social benefits, and it can help you see the good in life. It also fosters a sense of connection among family and friends as you share your experiences throughout the year. Plus, looking back on your entries will remind you of all the positive moments, making it easier to cultivate a mindset of appreciation even when things get tough.
By making gratitude journaling a part of your routine, you not only enrich your own life but also inspire those around you to be grateful for what they have now.
Holiday Memory Book Writing
Many of us love the holidays. Maybe you love watching grandma read the Christmas story, mom serve her famous rolls or your kids playing with their cousins. Capture these memories by starting a holiday memory book.
Our Holiday Memory books allow you to easily record your memories so you can preserve them forever. Each journal contains easy prompts to help you record your memories. Some of the prompts include:
- What we celebrated
- Who was there
- Special food or recipes we made
- Traditions for this holiday
- Highlights of our celebration
There’s also a spot right at the top of the page where you can write what holiday this is for and the year. So, you don’t have to think about what to write–it’s all spelled out for you to easily record what was important to you. These holiday memory books make excellent gifts too! You can fill the journal out for a few years and gift it to someone that way, or gift them a blank journal to record all of their own memories.
Travel Journaling
Do you love to travel, or know someone who does? Whether you travel throughout the year or during the holidays, it’s fun to record your memories of the trip. So, start a travel journal this holiday season. You can document your holiday travels or special trips you’ve taken throughout the year. Our travel journals come in three different colors and also have prompts for easy journaling. Some of the prompts include:
- Who went on the trip?
- Where did you stay?
- Tips for future travelers to this location
So, years down the road, you can flip through your journal and reminisce about the adventures you had and the people you met along the way! Each journal page will be filled with your unique experiences, making it a treasured keepsake. Plus, journaling at the end of the year is a great way to reflect on your journey.
Legacy Journaling
Do you have a loved one who has an amazing life story? If so, you should get them a legacy journal. The holidays are the perfect time to work on memory preservation, as well. This journal features sections like “About Me” and “Family.” There are prompts within each section to make recording their story easier.
We’d suggest sitting down with your loved one during a cozy holiday evening. Maybe get out a few treats like hot cocoa and cookies as you encourage your family members to share their experiences and memories. Then you can record those memories in the legacy journal.
Not only does this journal help anyone document their unique story, but it also creates an opportunity for bonding!
Family Recipe Journaling
Family recipes are a huge part of many people’s holiday memories, and trying to preserve recipes is important. Whether it’s mom’s amazing turkey, grandma’s famous apple pie or Dad’s steak marinade–these recipes are a part of their legacies. You want to make sure you preserve recipes by writing them down. So, when a family member can’t make it anymore, you can carry on the tradition. That’s why a family recipe book can be so helpful for you and your family. These unique journals make recipe storage fun! They include an easy way to organize recipes in the book with a table of contents that you can fill out.
Then you can use the prompts to help you record and organize recipes. The journal has spots for ingredients, notes, directions and more. There are also blank spots in the book for you to tape in handwritten recipe cards if you want to preserve the precious handwriting along with the recipe. The Family Recipe Journal becomes not just a cookbook but a beautiful way to preserve recipes.
Words of Wisdom Journaling
Have you ever wished you could bottle up all the valuable advice and sweet encouragement from loved ones? That’s exactly what a Words of Wisdom journal does. It’s a wonderful way to collect precious wisdom and share it with the people who matter most.
Plus, these journals can be used in a variety of ways. For example, you could take one to a bridal or baby shower and have each guest write down their favorite piece of advice. Or have each guest share a heartfelt message for the bride-to-be or the new parents.
These journals are also perfect for recording those big life milestones, as well. It would be amazing to fill one out every year and give it to your child on their 18th birthday, filled with messages from family and friends as they step into adulthood.
And let’s not overlook the grandparents in our lives. As they share their stories and advice in a Words of Wisdom journal, they create a beautiful legacy for future generations. A Legacy Journal is a sweet way for them to pass down their experiences and life lessons.
So, whether you’re marking a new chapter in life or just want to show someone you care, starting a Words of Wisdom journal could become a cherished tradition in your family.
Starting a new journaling tradition during the holidays is the perfect way to dive into the world of journaling. It’s a season filled with reflection, gratitude and connection, making it an ideal time to begin capturing your thoughts and memories on paper. Whether you’re documenting family gatherings, holiday recipes or personal reflections, a journal can become a cherished keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.
Be sure to take a look at the wide selection of journals from Duncan & Stone to get started on your new holiday journaling tradition!