At our recent family gathering, my family played a fun game, albeit a bit cheesy, however it helped spark conversation of gratitude and affirmation. It was an "icebreaker" that my family humored me in attempting at the start of our evening chats while away on our annual gathering. There are 21 total people now in my immediate family. When all my siblings and in-laws are able to get together it is special. But how do we keep conversation going when we spend multiple days together?
Try this 5 minute activity that helps everyone start the evening with gratitude and appreciation toward one another. All that is required for this "game" is a pen, paper, and willing attitude.
From my experience, my family and I did this activity with only adults after we put the kids down for bed. We had 10-12 adults participating and make a campfire with lots of treats and a drink or two and catch up with one another. This was a perfect game for one of our campfire nights!
Here is what to do:
1. Write everyone who will be participating on individual pieces of paper folding the individual pieces of paper so the names are not visible.
2. Shuffle names in a hat, bowl, anything to mix them up.
3. Have each person pick out a paper with a name on it. Make sure they look at the paper to confirm they did not choose themselves.
4. Each person is to think of a positive attribute or character quality that they admire about the person they drew.
5. Popcorn style, have a volunteer get started with naming the positive attribute or quality WITHOUT naming the person they have.
6. Everyone in the circle guesses who the person is that is being described.
7. Whoever was described goes next.
Some takeaways that I found when my family tried this.
Many times people will guess multiple names when naming an attribute. I saw a lot of the qualities that my parents had in my siblings which gave me even more gratitude for seeing how my parents positively influenced our character.
By being forced to choose a name blindly makes the name you draw a surprise. This is a helpful heart check so that no matter who you draw, you share something positive about.
Sometimes when gathering as a family, it is easy for gossip to be spread. By starting the conversation about talking positively about one another, it helps keep everyone in a healthy mindset throughout the evening as you continue conversation about other things after the activity is over.
Personally, I found it insightful to learn what my actions were mostly saying about myself. As I am described, is this what I want to be known for?
All around, the intention of this game is to shed positive light on each individual person in the family. By nature of the game no one is left out of feeling affirmed. Some people think of a singular word to describe the name they drew, others share a few sentences to help describe. Either way, don't say the name or pronoun of the person, let people guess. It makes everyone feel special as people see the good in one another!
How did it go? Write your experience in the comments below!
From the Bungalow,
Emma
P.S. Family memories often are created in the home. That's why I LOVE capturing homes across the country in my unique Architectural Watercolor paintings that capture the most special details of the place you call home. Respond today to get your home captured by me! See more details at our "Commissions" page!