What are you going to do with National Family Stories Month? For me, it started with an early Thanksgiving trip where about 35 family members gathered under one roof. The food was wonderful, of course—but the conversations were even better. That’s where the real richness of family showed up.
When we think about family history, many of us picture a genealogy book or a few scribbled notes that track who married whom, plus a scandal here or a dramatic moment there. But long before we wrote anything down, history was passed from person to person through stories. And for most families, that’s still true today.
Sure, sometimes we embellish, and sometimes we downplay the drama. But nothing beats hearing family stories told out loud. It’s even better when multiple people jump in—each one remembering different details or offering a totally different perspective based on their place in the story.
With everything we hear about declining communication skills in our tech-heavy world, storytelling is a beautiful and natural way to bring them back. Sharing a story helps us build coherent thoughts, gain confidence in speaking, and practice active listening. It also reinforces one of our most basic human needs: the sense of belonging.
Whether someone is navigating a mental health challenge or simply figuring out who they are, feeling connected to something bigger can help chase away loneliness. Family stories teach us about our roots, shape our identity, and communicate much more than facts—they hold attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and life lessons. And truthfully, it’s always better to learn from someone else’s experience than to repeat a painful mistake yourself.
In my world of food, stories and meals are inseparable. Sometimes food is simply the backdrop for the stories—but often, food is the story. A recipe passed down through generations carries tradition, creativity, and love. Cooking wasn’t always as simple as pulling up an online recipe; families once had to work carefully to perfect and preserve their special dishes.
Even holiday traditions—like announcing what you’re thankful for at the Thanksgiving table or serving ham every Christmas—carry meaning. They say, “You belong here. You are loved.” And whether it’s a holiday dinner or a simple standing lunch date, taking the time to share family stories does far more than fill the minutes.
Family storytelling builds self-esteem, strengthens resilience, lowers anxiety, and supports emotional regulation—especially in children. For older adults, recalling and retelling stories keeps the brain active and sharp. When one person starts talking, the memories shared by others often spark new details to surface.
Writing stories down or recording conversations can help preserve these memories for future generations, but don’t forget the most important part: telling them.
So this National Family Stories Month, make space for those conversations. Ask questions. Share your memories. Invite others to add their own. You’re not just passing time—you’re passing on a legacy.
“Life Story Writing.” Illinois Extension, extension.illinois.edu/family/life-story-writing. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
“Organized and word smithed my content and research” prompt. ChatGPT 18 Oct. Version, OpenAI, 18 Oct. 2024, chat.openai.com
Quigley, Mary W. “Here Is Why You Should Share Family Stories.” Blogs, 28 Aug. 2014, blog.aarp.org/parenting-part-2/here-is-why-you-should-share-family-stories.
Ure, Kari. “Ask an Expert – How Sharing Family Stories Can Strengthen Relationships.” USU, 14 Dec. 2023, extension.usu.edu/news/how-sharing-family-stories-can-strengthen-relationships.
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