Blockbuster entertainment at the holidays
No need to fight the crowds, blockbuster entertainment will be delivered directly to your home. All you have to do is invite it in.
Some experienced it already this Thanksgiving. The television in one household virtually disappeared because something far more fascinating was happening right in the middle of living room! Everyone sat mesmerized by the amazing true stories told by two elders who shared favorite memories and wild adventures growing up during wartime.
You, too, can create memorable moments this holiday season. Unplug the televison for a few hours. Instead, listen to those around you with far more exciting life experiences than you could ever imagine. Let's face it, the longer you've lived, the more interesting you are! Our parents and grandparents had lots of opportunities to do things great and small, silly and embarrassing, and they can tell stories that will make the grandchildren wide-eyed, laugh out loud, and even blush.
If you were born in the 1920s, you remember:
- Stories told of World War I
- Prohibition & flappers
- Black Sunday & The Great Depression
- World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War
- Inventions of television, airliners, radio, antibiotics, and frozen food
- Harlem Renaissance
- Yahtzee, marathon dancing, mah-jong, and Swing music
- The Dust Bowl
- Fred Astair, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Babe Ruth
- Bogart, Hayworth, Gable, Grable, Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson
- War of the Worlds Radio broadcast scare
All the old were young once, and you'll find that you have so much in common as well as hear how different life was "back then!" As you gather in the coming weeks, record those stories and conversations—before it's too late to ask. Use a digital audio recorder or a camcorder and stock up on batteries. Here are some conversation starters to help you capture the most interesting stories you'll ever hear.
1. Why did your parents choose your name? Nickname?
2. What was your favorite/least favorite meal served when you were a kid?
3. What was your favorite game or toy and why?
4. Describe the house you grew up in. Plumbing, electricity, number of rooms, people, telephone, etc.
5. What was school like?
6. Who were your friends growing up?
7. What did your parents do for work?
8. Were there any relatives who were very interesting or famous?
9. What is a favorite family memory/experience?
10. How did you meet the love of your life?
11. What was your profession and how did you choose it?
12. What was your wedding like?
13. What is the key to a successful marriage?
14. Where were you when Pearl Harbor was attacked?
15. Is there anything interesting about your family tree?
16. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
17. Of all the things you learned from your parents, what was the most valuable?
18. What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?
Share your experiences here so we can all be encouraged by your elders.
Make your own blockbuster this holiday season full of the funniest, most adventuresome, and unforgettable stories you'll ever hear.
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