When planning for our families, practicality is usually the first thing that comes to mind. You want to make sure you have the proper estate documents (will, power of attorney, advance directive) and insurance policies in place, as well as your financial details in order. It's easy for the reasons we plan to get lost in all that paperwork.We are often reminded of those reasons after spending time with family. There are so many traditions you may not want to be lost!
For example
The recipe for the apple cake that a late grandmother would make for the holidays, and how with your 3 year old daughter and you made it together this year.
Maybe you will think about the dinner you have to celebrate the New Year, the way mom's beautiful holiday table looks, and the way everything is placed just right.
Recipes have been in the family for generations, and to know that your great grandparents enjoyed the same things as your children is really pretty amazing.
Just like organizing and sharing other important information, we have to remember to share these family details, too.
Sometimes it takes being proactive and having conversations.
Beyond family recipes there are other cherished family heirlooms or special items that could easily end up lost or discarded if not saved and passed down properly. These are things that most likely wouldn't make it into a will, but have enormous legacy value.
Take time this holiday season, when the family gathers together and start having these conversations, sharing these recipes, noting what heirlooms will go to whom and maybe putting a special note taped to the bottom of that table or in the drawer.
Remember, our lives are not just about our work. We will not take work with us. Our family is there for life. Cherish your memories and make new ones this holiday season.
