HOW IT WORKS

A YOUNG PERSON WRITES TO AN FAMILY OR COMMUNITY MEMBER FROM ANOTHER GENERATION

THEY WRITE BACK AND SHARE A PAST HOLIDAY STORY OR TRADITION FROM THEIR LIFE

IF THEY ARE WILLING, WE WILL SHARE THE STORY WITH OUR MONTANA COMMUNITY VIA THIS WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, AND INSTAGRAM TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER! 

Just email a photo of the letter to us. Emailing a photo of yourself and/or a photo connected to the story is also welcome.

A. LETTER TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW

Dear/Hi _________(name of relative/family friend),

(Questions regarding personal life, example: How have you been lately? Has the winter been good? What have you and Grandpa been doing?)

I am writing this letter to say hi, and also as apart of the Share Our Stories Holiday Campaign, which is focused on connecting and bringing people together through this isolated time, and spreading much needed holiday joy and spirit. My favorite part of the holidays is _________. I was wondering if you would be willing to write back and share a story of a past holiday experience or memory. (Then provide examples, such as "Holidays when you were a kid", or "Dad's first ________, (example: Christmas) as a baby", "Do you have a favorite holiday food/recipe/thing to do?)

I was also wondering, as part of the campaign to connect people through stories of the past, if you would be okay with this story being shared on the campaign website or social media account, either using your name or anonymously. Thank you so much, and (I miss you/ have a good holiday/can't wait to see you again soon! Ending goodbye)

Love/Sincerely, (Choose one)

_______(Your Name)

B. LETTER TO COMMUNITY MEMBER

Dear ________(Community Member's Name),

Hello, I'm ________(Your Name), and I am writing this letter as part of the Share Our Stories Campaign, which is focused on connecting and bringing people together through this isolated time, as well as spread much needed holiday joy and spirit.

My favorite part of the holidays is _________.  I was wondering if you would be willing to write back and share a story of a past holiday experience or memory. (Then provide examples, such as "The holiday season when you were a kid", or "Your first holiday season in Montana", or "Do you have a favorite holiday food/recipe/thing to do?)

I was also wondering, as part of the campaign to connect people through stories of the past, if you would be okay with this story being shared on the campaign website or social media account, either using your name or anonymously. Thank you so much for your time and for participating in this holiday campaign. It really brings our community together! Have a great rest of your holiday season. I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks again!

Sincerely,

________(Your Name)

C. IDEAS FOR WRITING MEMORIES

Your story doesn't have to be anything fancy! Reading about each other's experiences connects us and makes our holiday time feel special. The world has changed a lot in the last 70 years, and hearing about simpler times feels peaceful. We don't always follow the traditions of our cultural heritages the way previous generations did, and learning about those traditions and times gives us a sense of things continuing. It also teaches young people about times past, and makes those times feel real, and close.

Some ideas and tips:

-The more specific you can be, the better. If you made cookies, what kind? Do you want to send the recipe? If you sang songs, which ones? Was TV part of your traditions or did you have other entertainment? Is there one memory that stands out?

-Details help paint a bright picture. What details make your story come to life? Think about what you see in your head and what might be the same as today or different. What did people wear? Their hairstyle? Their habits or ways of talking?