Home For The Holidays: Heirloom Stories Are A Perfect Gift

Selecting the right gift for a special someone is sometimes joyous, sometimes a chore. Give a gift that's free. A gift that no one else could give. A gift of your legacy!

Consider giving to or requesting a very personal, one-of-a-kind gift this year: heirloom stories. A perfect gift for an adult child who has everything. A perfect gift to request from aging parents who don't know what to give.

A daughter knew that the quilt protected in her mother's cedar chest was her great grandmother's. But until her mother recorded the story of the quilt she did not know how dear it really was. The quilt was a wedding present received the day before her newly married great grandparents climbed onto a covered wagon in Pennsylvania to begin their journey westward to Colorado and a new life. Protected and hand carried across the U.S. the quilt bumped for a thousand miles along the Santa Fe Trail with a wagon train. That quilt is now much more cherished.

People forget that they live in their homes with history all around them. Old tools, equipment and machinery have a history all their own. A woman's gloves, hat or shoes describe an era never to be seen again. Most of the stories go untold, leaving generations without the knowledge of an item's uniqueness, history or sentimental value. History lessons and family stories can be integrated, enjoyed & remembered by any age recipient.

Personal belongings and family heirlooms have so much to say. Have yours told their stories yet? They will be welcome and engaging gifts. Here are some ideas to help you tell those heirloom stories:

• Tell them to someone who will act as your scribe.

• Write them down in longhand or on a typewriter or computer.

• Record them on a tape recorder in your own voice.

• Have someone videotape you while you hold an item and tell its story or demonstrate its use.

Even a person with Alzheimer's Disease can often share the stories that others may think are lost. If she can still speak, put an item in her hand, and it may remind her of events or uses, people or places. Ask her questions, and you may get more history than you expected.

Start now to preserve those stories, histories and ways. Give or request a loving legacy for any season or occasion.

About The Author

Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters coach and author of several products to assist families experiencing aging including the pamphlet, Don't Be a Burden: 100 Tips. Get free articles and information at www.SOSpueblo.com.

sospueblo@yahoo.com

---

Ready for Christmas? Enjoy an Organized Holiday This Year

1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More

Valentines Day

Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More

Choosing A Great Gift For A Polar Bear Lover

Do you know someone who is absolutely crazy about polar... Read More

Advantages of Online Greeting Cards Over Paper Cards - Part II

So, let's review a little what we said in the... Read More

Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression

While war and poor economic conditions begin to affect people... Read More

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweek Pod Poinsettia Ornaments

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More

Birthday Gift Guide

A birthday gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Spooky Halloween Party Ideas

Are you looking for special Halloween party ideas that will... Read More

Mothers Day Flowers & Gifts!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th! Whether she lives next... Read More

This Mothers Day -- Give The Gift Of Fitness

Do you know a Mom that deserves a special gift... Read More

Gods Gift to You... Mom

Have you ever thought what you would have done without... Read More

Holiday Promotion Tips

Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's... Read More

Christmas Shopping for a New Love

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for those... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

Gift Shopping Tips for Tight Budgets

Have you seen the prices of greeting cards lately? It... Read More

Fourth of July Safety

Of all the holidays throughout the year, the Fourth of... Read More

Nicely Designed Pillows As Gifts

Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to... Read More

Magical Plants of Christmas

Most of the plants we associate with the holiday season... Read More

Cashless Gifts

Sometimes gifts that are truly from your heart have no... Read More

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day is the one day of the year when... Read More

Create a Holiday Feast For The Senses

This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More

Halloween & Hounds

Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running,... Read More

Mothers Day: 5 Gift Ideas Guaranteed To Make Any New Mom Happy

Sure, you can call it a Hallmark holiday. But don't... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More