Why the Holidays Are the Best Time for Family Storytelling (and Simple Ways to Start a New Tradition)

The holidays have a way of gathering us together, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another cherished celebration. It’s a season of familiar faces, favorite foods, and long-awaited togetherness. Yet amid the joyful chaos of travel plans, meal prep, and gift wrapping, it’s easy to forget what this time is truly about: connection.

We spend hours making everything look perfect from the matching table settings and gourmet meal to the coordinated wrapping paper. But when the holidays are over, what lingers isn’t the perfect centerpiece or the flawless roast. It’s the moments filled with laughter, the conversations, and the sense of belonging. Those memories don't come from what we buy or plan, but from what we share. And few things create connection as beautifully as storytelling.

Why Storytelling Belongs in Your Family Holiday Traditions

Storytelling is a timeless part of family holiday traditions. When grandparents share tales from their own childhoods or parents tell “remember when…” family stories around the table, it brings everyone closer and turns gatherings into lasting memories.

But storytelling doesn’t have to be limited to reminiscing. You can exchange your favorite folk tales, tell creative “what if” stories together, or have everyone share their highlight of the year and one hope for the next. These small moments, whether they happen before dessert or after opening gifts, create deeper connection than any picture-perfect dinner ever could.

It’s Not Heavy Lifting - It’s Heart Lifting

Meaningful moments don’t require elaborate plans. Storytelling is one of the easiest, most natural ways to connect with no script, no setup, and no pressure for perfection.

Try weaving stories into your Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings: while you’re waiting for dinner, sitting by the fire, or winding down after dessert. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, laugh together, and make the day feel truly memorable.

And storytelling doesn’t have to be just talking, either. You can reinforce it with fun, screen-free family activities that keep hands and imaginations busy. Check out our post Five Fun Story Games for easy ways to turn storytelling into play perfect for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

For Families with Little Ones (and the Grandkids!)

Looking for activities to do with the grandkids during the holidays? Telling or reading stories is a screen-free, low-prep way to keep little ones engaged and connected. Classic tales like The Brave Tin Soldier, Beauty and the Beast, or The Emperor’s New Clothes teach timeless values like kindness, honesty, and courage - all perfect themes for the season.

Our Once Upon a Virtue Series retells these stories in fresh, engaging ways and pairs them with engaging activity pages you can do together. It’s a lovely way to combine story time and creativity while teaching meaningful values. The series is available as print books on Amazon or as printable downloads on Etsy.

You can also make storytelling personal. Try creating stories where your child becomes the hero or retell family memories in a fun, imaginative way. We’ve shared more inspiration in these blog posts:

• Family Storytelling: 10 Personal Tales to Share With Kids

• Family Storytelling: 10 Meaningful Family Stories to Share with Kids

Quick Ideas for Holiday Storytelling with Family

Here are a few simple ways to weave storytelling into your holiday traditions:

• Share one favorite memory from past holidays.

• Tell a story about your childhood Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Invent a silly holiday tale together (bonus: add a twist ending!).

• Ask the grandkids to imagine what the family pet does while everyone’s asleep.

• Use one of Five Fun Story Games for a quick storytelling challenge.

These easy prompts work anywhere... at the dinner table, on a video call, or while traveling to see family.

Make This Holiday the Start of a Storytelling Tradition

When you look back years from now, it won’t be the matching napkins or perfectly plated dessert you remember... it will be the stories that made everyone laugh, the quiet moments that made you feel close, and the memories woven together through words.

So this holiday season, set aside perfection and share stories instead. Whether they’re true, tall, or totally made up, they’re the gifts your family will keep forever.