Family Celebrations
Getting Started: Introduction
Step 1: Read the introduction to immerse yourself in the essence of this workshop and discover what it has to offer.
Families can celebrate a pretty wide range of life’s events: birthdays, weddings, wedding anniversaries, graduations, job promotions, retirements, religious ceremonies, personal accomplishments, national holidays, holidays in other countries, religious holidays, World Series or Super Bowl victories, and more. Sometimes these celebrations can be simple events, with little planning. At other times, these celebrations can be very elaborate, with months of planning.In this workshop, we will share stories about some of the celebrations that our families engage in.
Exploring Perspectives: Reading Quotations
Step 2: Read the quotations below and reflect on the ones that resonate with you, drawing connections that inspire and deepen your understanding.
“Every day is not a success. Every year is not a success. You have to celebrate the good.”
Reese Witherspoon, actor
“Any celebration meal to which guests are invited, be they family or friends, should be an occasion for generous hospitality.
Julian Baggini, writer
“But you know, we have a very normal family. We've had our ups and downs. You know, we've had our issues, but we've had great cause for celebration.”
Julius Erving, retired basketball player
“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by.”
Alek Wek, designer
“Celebrate what you want to see more of.”
Tom Peters, American business executive
“Weddings are important because they celebrate life and possibility.”
Anne Hathaway, actor
Reflect and Express: Discussion and Writing Questions
Step 3: Begin exploring your family’s past and weave it into a captivating story—one that brings cherished memories, untold experiences, and generational wisdom to life. Use the questions below to guide your storytelling.
Which of the quotations above resonate with you most? Why?
What kinds of life moments are cause for celebrations in your family?
What family celebrations do you enjoy the most? Why?
Who in your family is best at making a celebration special?Why?
What is your all-time favorite family celebration? Why?
How are birthdays celebrated in your family?
How are religious holidays celebrated in your family?
How is the last Thursday in November celebrated in your family?
How is NewYear’s Eve celebrated in your family?
What national holidays does your family celebrate? What are those celebrations like?
If your family celebrates any holidays that originate in other countries, what are those celebrations like?
Does your family celebrate events in sports—e.g., your team winning the Super Bowl?
How does your family celebrate the memories of loved ones who are no longer alive?
What foods do you associate with any family celebrations?
How does your family celebrate any life milestones that family members have reached?
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