It’s the thought that counts. That’s what people say, and sometimes mean.
The people in your life who usually mean it the most are those with lots of stuff – people like grandparents. I remember giving my Nana soap, and even at eight years old, noticing her ‘Not another one’ face. And now that I’m a grandmother, I’d argue the reverse can also be true. What do you buy the child who has SO many toys, and who’s into something you’re not? Like cars, for example. Well, going either way along the generational divide, I have a solution. Gift them a story – one you’ve written.
The Power of Personal Stories
My nephew has, since he’s been able to write at all, given his parents a story for Christmas. Over the years, these have charted, better than any photo could, his development – his likes and dislikes, his ability to write, his imagination, what his interests are. His mother treasures them, and I feel very privileged to be allowed to read them each year.
So what might you write about? For a child/young person, the answer is easy – anything you feel like – you can pretty much guarantee your readers will lap it up. Write about something you’ve noticed, something you’re passionate about, some event you’ve been involved in. If you’d like to write a Christmas story, for example, write about a memory you have of your reader, on Christmas Day, or write about your earliest Christmas memory, or your happiest, or the best gift you ever got. Or if you’d rather, write an action/adventure story you’ve entirely made up!
For older adults, I suggest you write about a memory that will connect or relate to your younger readers. Again, if this is a Christmas gift story for your adult child, write about their childhood Christmases – or your own. Compare when, where, what, how – the food, the people, the gifts, the place, the order of events. Or if you’re the grandparent of the recipient, how about a story of your childhood, from the age they are now?
In any case, here are some tips for keeping the writing fresh and interesting. I’ve carried on using the example of a Christmas gift, but these apply to any story gift.
Tips for Writing an Engaging Story
- Be specific. Instead of writing about Christmases in general, write about a particularly notable one. You’ll still get to talk about all the stuff that always happened, but it’s always a good idea to have a plot!
- Write about what’s the same. Think about rituals or roles perhaps (church? A reading? A time or way to open gifts?) that have survived from your childhood to theirs. Perhaps you can tell them the origin of a family tradition?
- Write about what’s different. Thinking about technology can be helpful here – what music plays? How? How does the meeting place differ? Who gathers for Christmas? Perhaps there’s a sad element to your childhood Christmases that’s not present for theirs? ( I probably wouldn’t point out the reverse – it’s supposed to be a happy story!)
- Celebrate the food. Describe it in loving detail. Describe the table, where you sat as children, what happened during the meal (did you say grace? Did you pass food around or did someone serve? Inside or outside?)
- Capture the characters. When you’re writing about the people, think of what made them memorable or different. Did they have a quirk – a mannerism, a particular way of speaking or turn of phrase? Did they have some notable piece of clothing? Why did they interest you as a child?
- Engage the senses. Use vivid descriptions, focussing on the five senses. You’re trying to have your reader smell, touch, taste etc along with you.
- Use Humour. It’s always welcome – if you can centre the story around a funny anecdote or funny people, you’ll hook that younger audience in.
- Finish by reflecting. You could add a comment about how your childhood experience relates to theirs – or a question or request that will get them talking about their own experiences. That way, your story becomes a two way gift!
If you’d like to add to your story, you could include:
- Something interactive: a question, a prompts for the recipient to add their own drawings or photos, space for them to reply?
- Visual Aids: maybe some illustrations or photos to accompany your story. This could make it even more engaging, especially for a younger reader.
- Handmade Touch: you could handwrite the story, or make a booklet for it, or roll it with a ribbon and tag.
- Incorporate some Family History: You might share a storie or anecdote about ancestors that relate to your story, to add a sense of connection across generations.
By crafting a story, you’re giving a gift that captures memories, sparks imagination, and helps build a bridge between generations, making it a truly heartwarming and everlasting gift.
If you’d like to chat about how to write your own stories, or learn more about creative writing, contact me here.
Happy writing, and Meri Kirihimete!
Jo