Why a Family Story is the Best Gift You Can Give

With the holiday season around the corner, it's easy to get swept up in the busyness of it all—office parties, school performances, Christmas markets, and gatherings with family and friends. And somewhere in between, most of us are still scrambling to find the perfect gifts for our families and in-laws.

When it comes to gift-giving, I make as many gifts as I can. Some years it’s a knitted scarf; other years it might be a printed and framed family photo or a small book of memories from the past year's adventures. (This year, I have all three on the go.) Of course, I know not everyone has the luxury of time, and handmade gifts usually require a bit of planning.

Because here’s the truth: the most treasured gifts are the ones that come from the heart. They stay with us not because they sit on a shelf, but because they make us feel something. They become part of the stories we tell.

This holiday season, consider gifting someone in your family a book of their own stories. Imagine how special it would feel to be invited to share your childhood memories—to be asked about the moments that shaped you, the people who influenced you, the experiences that made your life uniquely yours. It’s a rare and intimate kind of gift: the experience of being heard, acknowledged, and truly appreciated.

The fact is, most gifts are eventually forgotten, fade, or get replaced. But a captured story? Its value grows with time. Our family’s stories become part of our lineage—something our children, grandchildren, and future generations can hold onto. They become a tangible connection to the people who came before them.

And there’s no better time to start than the holidays. Everyone is already gathered, the atmosphere naturally invites reflection, and conversations tend to drift toward favourite traditions, childhood memories, and the “remember when…” moments we love to relive. A family story gift can take many forms: a recorded interview, a written memoir, a small collection of meaningful memories, a photo-story book (much like the ones I make every year), or a complete legacy book.

Recording your family’s stories doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning, a simple interview, and thoughtful storytelling support, anyone can create a meaningful legacy piece. The holidays are, at their heart, about connection and love—and a family story embodies both.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for someone in your family this year, let’s talk.