Journal Writing -- End of Year Tips for Preserving Family Memories

As another year draws to an end, it is time to reflect and preserve the individual and family memories of the past year. Your year in review!

Things not written down or recorded are soon forgotten.

Keeping family memories and stories alive strengthens family bonds and it is very rewarding to look back to see where we were and how we've grown over the past year.

In a perfect world we would have all kept a daily, weekly or monthly journal throughout the year, but most of us don't do that. So lets make up for lost time! Here are some quick ideas and tips for reviewing the events in your life from the past year family get together paragraph.

Categories:

Getting Started Begin by breaking down the year by month, season or major milestones and/or events.

Health: What big changes in your health occurred this year? If this category doesn't jog your memory; it is probably a good thing.

Occupation: Write about changes and highlights in your career. Tell about awards won, promotions received or interesting happenings on the job.

History: Write about "This time a year ago..."

Births: Any newborns this year?

Deaths in the Family: Write about those who've passed away this year. Include family, friends and, if there was a well-known individual (someone famous) that also passed away that meant a lot to you.

Travel and Residences: Where did you travel to this year? Who did you travel to see? Who in the family moved closer or farther away?

Major Purchases: List your major purchases throughout the year. What prompted these purchases? Take a look in your wallet or purse to dig up old receipts. Use copies of old checks, or an online bank ledger/statement to remind you of where you went and what you did.

Children: Don't forget your children. What were some of the milestones in their lives this past year? If you children are old enough, ask them to write down 10 things that they remember best about the past year. What write may surprise you.

Children's drawings and artwork: They draw and create so many and it is hard to keep them all. Select the best -- scan them and save them on disk.

Family Photos: Review your pictures taken and video shot during the last year. Describe the events seen in the pictures and events. For example, birthday parties, events at school with the kids etc..

Family Calendars: Looking back at Home and work calendars, from the current year are easy ways to remember what happened during particular months from the past year.Spark your memory by
looking for "scribbled-in" writing on your wall or desk calendar. Don't throw it away until you check to
see what you've written on it.

Family Discussion: Take advantage of family togetherness during the Holiday Season. See what they remember. Don't think you have to do it all by yourself. Use them to jog your memory and tailor them to your individual circumstance.