While we’re still processing this intense election season, the approaching holidays are suddenly clamoring for our attention.

Holidays can be complicated, even without a pandemic. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s just how important our relationships are.

Gathering for the holidays is not only an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with far-flung family members, but it also gives us a window into diverse perspectives.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration, tips, or resources to bring more connection into your next gathering, we’ve got you covered:

1. Connect Across Generations: Join us on November 19 at 5 pm PT for LRC Live: A Potluck Across Generations, where members of our staff and Youth Council will engage in an intergenerational conversation. It’s a bring-your-own-family-member event with light-hearted, timely conversation drawing from favorite Living Room Conversation Guides.  Invite a loved one from another generation to tune in with you.

2. Add Good Questions to Your Next Gathering:  Sprinkle your favorite Living Room Conversation questions wherever you’re gathered, in the car, at the dinner table, even over Zoom.

We’ve combed through our vast library of conversation guides to curate a few different conversational menus, from Exploring Current Events to Sharing Hopes and Aspirations. Choose a list, print it off, bring to your next gathering, and voila, meaningful conversation in an instant!

3. Resources for Meaningful Holiday Conversations: Check out our new Great Gatherings resource page HERE. It’s chock full of tips, ideas, and inspiration to help make your holiday memorable, connective, and even fun.

We’ve designed these offerings to help you be a caring presence at time when so many are struggling.  But like everything here, this is a conversation, and we want to hear from you. What are your hopes and fears? How are you using these resources? What would be helpful to you?

No matter how different the holidays look this year, with a little planning and creativity, our gatherings can shimmer with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and generosity of spirit…and help us experience the true meaning of the season.

Warmly,

Shannon Mannon

Newsletter Editor