The holiday season brings families together and provides an excellent opportunity to share special times and engage with each other. As we celebrate our many blessings, why not use this time together to share those things that are important to us: values, family stories and our interest in significant issues in our community?
This year, I am excited that our family (my husband, our two young adult sons and I) will all be away together for over a week. In between our outdoor activities, fabulous eating and laughter over “in” family jokes, I am committed to setting aside some time to have some meaty conversations – perhaps fireside.
I plan to start with the question “What do you think is the purpose of money?”. It sounds simple but I have witnessed this question evoke thoughts about each person’s relationship with money and how he or she uses it and sees him or herself relative to it. I will encourage us to each share stories about how we have seen members of our family use money and how we each have used money for ourselves and for others. We will reflect on examples of kindnesses we have received and those we have extended to others as well as examples of people who have inspired us. And we will mull over issues in the world that we think deserve our attention and resources – financial and otherwise.
This holiday season, perhaps one of your gifts to each other, will be the gift of sharing from the heart about your values and what really matters to you. You can do this with partners, children, parents or siblings. You can start with one question or you can add more questions – at one sitting or over a few conversations. Not only will this be a wonderful experience for you and your family, but if you are an advisor, this interaction will help you to understand and facilitate opportunities for your clients to engage with their families. Perhaps you could even share a link to this blog with your clients as something they might try.
I am curious to hear from you regarding your experiences with this activity so please be in touch and let me know how it goes.
Warmest wishes for a very happy and engaging holiday season and a healthy and fulfilling new year.
As a philanthropy advisor, I work with families and individuals to create and facilitate a safe and productive environment to articulate values, interests and goals related to philanthropy. Together we develop and implement a plan to make giving meaningful, satisfying and effective.
For more information on how I work with clients to assist them to give with heart and for impact please visit the approach and services pages on my website.