Jennifer Spalding of Spalding Law Office in Chaska specializes in estate planning services. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are busy planning menus, coordinating travel and preparing for the big feast.

While the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie are important traditions, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to think about, discuss and preserve your family’s legacy. 

In this article, you’ll discover practical ways to capture family stories, learn how to start meaningful legacy conversations and understand how to transform these moments into a plan that protects your family’s values and assets for generations to come.

The Heart of Legacy Planning

When most people think about legacy planning, they often focus solely on financial assets. But true legacy planning encompasses much more. It’s about preserving your family’s stories, values, traditions and the wisdom gained through generations. Values, insights, stories and experiences, plus sentimental items, are almost always more important to families than financial assets, though, of course, money matters as well.

Plan for the Future

With a little planning, Thanksgiving can be a great time to discuss the future.  

Talk about family values: Encourage family members to share what they value most about being part of the family. These discussions can help inform how you structure your estate plan to reflect and perpetuate these values.

Discuss family philanthropy: If giving back is important to your family, use this time to talk about causes that matter to everyone. This can lead to meaningful discussions about charitable giving and how to incorporate it into your legacy plan.

Capturing Your Family’s Story

As families gather and reminisce, precious memories and important family history often emerge. Here are some ways to capture these valuable moments:

Record your family’s food heritage: That special stuffing recipe from your grandmother isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about family history. Document not just the recipe but the story behind it. Why is it important? How has it been adapted over generations? Who taught it to whom?  

Create a family interview tradition: Designate time after dinner for family interviews. Have younger family members ask older ones about their childhood, important life lessons or family history. Record these conversations (with permission) using your phone or video camera.   

Share family artifacts: Bring out old family photos, letters or heirlooms. These physical items often spark stories and discussions about family history and values.

Making Legacy Planning Part of Your Tradition

The key to successful legacy planning is making it an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Consider establishing new Thanksgiving traditions that support this goal. Here are a few ideas:

Create a family time capsule: Each year, have family members contribute something meaningful to a time capsule — letters, photos or small items that represent the year’s important moments.

Start a family mission statement: Work together to create and update a family mission statement that reflects your shared values and goals.

Document family medical history: While families are together, take time to update your family medical history. This information is crucial for future generations and can inform healthcare decisions.

Remember that legacy planning isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing journey that can be woven into your family’s holiday traditions each year. By incorporating these intentional practices into every Thanksgiving gathering, you create a natural way to capture and preserve what matters most while building a stronger foundation for your family’s future.