Winter Garden Magazine December 2018 | Page 27

with loved ones about their favorite traditions and then ask which they could teach to family. You might be surprised what older generations cherish as traditions. For example, consider organizing a time for everyone to bake a time­- -honored recipe together. Perhaps it’s learning a holiday tradition that provides a cultural experience that younger generations have never done. It also could even be teaching a classic skill such as wood­working, knitting or calligraphy. Keeping an open mind and trying something new together is guaranteed to be a bonding experience. Storytelling and archiving One of the most meaningful ways people of different generations can connect is through sharing stories. Sometimes you just need a little help getting the conversation started. That’s why Atria Senior Living, inspired by its residents, created Atria StoryWise, a curated collection of cards featuring Learn more at AtriaStoryWise.com. thoughtfully selected topics and cues designed to spark memories and fuel Plan a game or movie night conversation. Games and movies are timeless You can spur conversation with loved activities that appeal as much to ones in a similar manner with the Grandma as they do to your 5­-year-­ Atria StoryWise companion app, old. By planning a game or movie available free to everyone. Instantly night, you’ll bring everyone together access intriguing topics to encourage for a good time. Consider finding a meaningful conversation, plus the app board game or movie that was popular allows you to record, share and keep when you or your parents were kids so the stories - and voices - of family and everyone enjoys their time together. friends forever. To make the day even more special, shop for old­-fashioned candy and A few conversation starter snacks that spark nostalgia. You may examples from the app: have to order some items online, but What you wanted to be when you it’s worth the effort because everyone will think it’s fun to sample the treats were little. that were popular during different decades. The secret to a long life. Your idea of a perfect day. A value you’d like to pass on to future generations. to get people talking. Whether it’s a photo featuring childhood friends, a school portrait or wedding images, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. Dig out those old photo albums and flip through them with the entire family. Another worthwhile activity that brings generations together is making a scrapbook. You can use old images or focus on recent pictures, but collaborating on a craft is time well spent. If you prefer, use a digital scrapbook program to organize photos. Whatever path you choose, take notes of who is in the image and any fun stories that go along with them. This is what turns a typical photo album into a cherished keepsake. Use these ideas to transform your next holiday into one filled with memories. You’ll inspire new connections between family members as you There’s nothing like a nostalgic image laugh, love and live life to the fullest. Flip through photo albums and scrapbooks DECEMBER 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   27