Legacy activities are usually split into two categories, planned and unplanned legacy activities. In this blog, we will discuss planned legacy activities which involve a life review through real stories, artwork, videos, and photographs.

Why do you need legacy activities?

The purpose of legacy building activities is to help bring meaning to the life the person lived and to recognize their worth by living through future generations.

How to start legacy building

There are a couple of activities that should be in legacy building activities. They include:

• Scrapbooking
• Creating a journal or a booklet
• Setting up chronicles of videos and pictures with Heritage Films

Memories of their childhood and important events in their life can be a great start for families and caregivers to help the individual to compile, followed by in-depth video interviews covering topics such as their favorite travel destinations, films, songs, pictures, poems etc.

At Heritage Films, we help preserve the memoirs of your loved ones so that future generations may experience them sharing their stories in their own voice.  Request a complimentary consultation today and let’s talk about your story…

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One of the reasons why generations of people document their history is because they want to ensure the stories told are accurately preserved. They want to make sure the knowledge of their culture is understood by the generations to come. There are a lot of experiences and an abundance of wisdom that can be lost as time passes if it’s not recorded. When that information is documented, the reader, viewer, or listener has access to historical information that can be of significant value in the present time.

When you consider the kind of information that’s been documented for centuries, you can see the value across many different subjects. For instance, there is comprehensive information in the areas of law, foreign policy, psychology, economics, geography, linguistics, sociology, medicine, religion and so much more. By having a historical perspective of these subjects, you can significantly enhance your understanding of life.

When it comes to seeking and obtaining information about your own heritage, it’s just as important. It gives you a chance to understand traditions that are specific to your ancestors. You can gain a historical perspective of your family and culture, including details about your heritage that are unique. Some of the information gathered will be based on environmental factors and others on genetic factors.

Learning about your history and heritage can help you understand how you became who you are. In fact, having a historical perspective of your heritage can serve as a guidepost and it often provides information about what you can expect in the future. This certainly does not mean that people don’t have free will. While you can make decisions to guide the outcome of your future, you cannot assume that your heritage will not play a role in what happens to you and others.

There is a connection between the past and the future. The combination of the decisions you make on a daily basis and events that have occurred in the past will have an effect on what happens in the future. To a large degree, many of the decisions that are made today are done based on knowledge of what has happened in the past.

Heritage is comprised on many factors from which you cannot separate yourself, such as genetics and events. By understanding the events of the past, it can give you the backdrop that you need to better understand yourself and where you came from. People often spend time in young adulthood trying to understand who they are. Knowing about your heritage is in fact a great way to find yourself. What you learn can help you embrace positive characteristics and improve upon others.

It’s important to see your heritage as an inheritance that has great value. In fact, it’s unfortunate to have a rich heritage and not know about it, especially since it’s part of who you are. Your heritage is not just something that you should know and understand, but it’s also something that should be shared with your children and grandchildren. Knowing your heritage can contribute to the building of character and enhance your life.

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Children deserve grandparents who show unconditional love, and grandparents need to feel loved in return. Being a part of a loving family is vital for children, and grandparents make up an essential part of the family unit. Grandparents provide a wealth of talent and wisdom.

There is a very distinct bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Humorist Sam Levinson once made a joke that parents, a common enemy, are the reason that grandparents and grandchildren get along so well.

Grandparents as Teachers and Leaders

Grandparents have a wealth of information to share with their grandchildren. As powerful role models and mentors, their knowledge helps to enrich lives in countless ways.

From grandparents, children learn values, respect, faith and good citizenship, their admirable presence unveils the seasons and stages of life. With their treasury of knowledge, grandparents are also keen on honing gifts and talents. This provides children with an insight that is beneficial for their future.

Grandparents are tailor-made for their grandchildren. They bond over activities such as taking nature walks, knitting fabrics, baking goodies, building crafts or visiting parks and museums. Most grandparents have additional time to spend, so grandchildren delight in the opportunity to take on new adventures with them.

Grandparents Build a Lifetime of Memories

Grandparents are some of the world’s best memory makers. Spending time with grandchildren creates irreplaceable memories. Children don’t need a major trip to create magic, but they do need someone to share special time with them.

If you wish to try new things with your grandchildren, find opportunities to do so for holidays and birthdays. Designing creative birthday banners and personalized cards are unique ways to show grandkids how much you care. Give out gift certificates or coupons for special time with you. This would be delightful to children because they each will get their own one on one time with grandma or grandpa. Grandkids also love to take special trips with their grandparents.

Organizing an annual family reunion provides a good way for grandchildren to visit with each other. You can bond by making special foods or designing family reunion t-shirts together. Then, have the grandchildren plan special games and scavenger hunts. You can also teach them how to play a friendly game of bingo or how to win a tug-of-war competition.

One other good way to make memories is to create a calendar for the family. It’s a good idea to highlight birthdays and achievements. Remember to request photos from your family, and you can invite the grandchildren to help put the calendar together.

Grandparents can also help to build memories by collecting stamps, completing a service project or watching sports with their grandchildren. This way, you can compare notes on how your favorite teams are doing. Grandparents can also show teach their grandchildren about charity. They can work together to sponsor less fortunate children from other countries.

Today, grandparents don’t always live in the same community as their grandchildren. In order to stay connected, grandparents must become creative. There are several different ways to stay in touch. Many use texting, apps, and Skype to keep the lines of communication open.

Grandparents determine experiences and activities based on the different age levels of their grandchildren. Consistent interaction with their grandparents will continue to enrich the lives of children around the world.

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The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.

Wear a mask

• Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.
• Keeping 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Wash your hands

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Attending a Gathering

Make your celebration safer. In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps while attending a Thanksgiving gathering.

• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
• Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.

Hosting a Thanksgiving Gathering

If having guests to your home, be sure that people follow the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer. Other steps you can take include:

• Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
• Limit the number of guests.
• Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
• If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
• Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
• Have guests bring their own food and drink.
• If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

Thanksgiving Travel

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

If you do travel

• Check travel restrictions before you go.
• Get your flu shot before you travel.
• Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation.
• Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

Consider Other Thanksgiving Activities

Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you

• Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
• Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.

Watch television and play games with people in your household

• Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home.
• Find a fun game to play.

Shopping

• Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays.
• Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
• Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others.

Other Activities

• Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
• Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.

This article was adapted for this website from CDC.gov

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This year has been something else…natural disasters, medical disasters, social disasters, and more to come. By this point, our tolerance for the mayhem has skyrocketed, and honestly – it sucks. But you know what doesn’t suck? The value of spending time with your family has become invaluable. The conversations drift in a different direction. People say, “Let’s talk about something else, anything else!” and look for opportunities to say, “remember when…”

How We Are Spending Our Time

Our new normals are amplified versions of what they used to be. We’re familiar with binge-watching Netflix shows, but we’ve progressed to finishing entire seasons in under 24 hours. Rather than entertain, our addictive phones, TVs, and computers do little more than placate us. We feel hollow at the end of a day spent mindlessly scrolling our social feeds. 

How We Could Should Spend Our Time

This isolation-frustration presents an amazing opportunity. It can spark curiosity. We can find our way back to a more simple time to find fulfillment. Whether it’s sitting across the table challenging your uncle in a game of chess, lingering in the kitchen and taking notes on grandma’s shortbread recipe, or taking your niece down to the pond to feed the ducks…there are opportunities of soul-enriching nostalgia ready and waiting. 

When you’re “stuck at home” with a select few, you can zone out to The Walking Dead Marathon, or you can learn more about one another. Talk through memories, experiences, hardships, and successes rather than rambling about the hot topic du jour on FaceBook. Instead of Door Dashing a mega-super-Godzilla Burrito, help mom make homemade mac & cheese and ask her about her high school days.

Tell Us a Story

Among the many negative aspects of COVID-19 and the pursuant lockdowns lies a positive development: introspection. Our interest in who we are and where we come from is piqued. Let’s go way back! What stories were your grandparents told about when they were kids? When did they get their first car? What was their first date like? These family memories can last beyond their time when you ask the right questions. 

At Heritage Films, we have filmed hundreds of families and have the privilege of hearing all kinds of stories from immigrant stories to business success stories. Our goal is to help tell your story and preserve it for future generations. Visit us at www.yourheritagefilm.com to learn more about our process and how to schedule a consultation!

The post How Is Covid Affecting the Way People Are Preserving Family Memories? appeared first on Heritage Films.

As staunch proponents of building a legacy, we believe that it’s our children’s children who will keep our history alive. It’s for this reason why we encourage individuals to sprint down memory lane. However, this notion gives many people pause. Here are some common misgivings about capturing a legacy and how you can squelch these doubts.

“Writing Isn’t My Forte”

Writing is as simple as putting pen to paper. Or, more realistically, finger to keyboard. You don’t have to worry about eloquently weaving together a compelling story. All that’s required are the facts. As you begin telling the narrative, you’ll find just how painless and freeing it is. It doesn’t take a seasoned author to convey a good story, so just concern yourself with writing in your preferred tone and style. If the words written tell of your personal background, it’s already a beautiful story.

“I’m Unsure Of What To Write About”

I’ll let you in on a little-known secret: most writers seldom know where to begin. The English language is complex and comprised of seemingly infinite words. With that said, it can be challenging to get the ball rolling. Though it may seem overwhelming at first, don’t despair. As the words begin pouring out of you, it’ll be hard to cease them. When writer’s block rears its unproductive head, consider looking at pictures or any relics that may evoke memories. Inspiration comes in waves, so it’s prudent to keep a notebook on hand to jot down ideas as they come.

“I Don’t Have Enough Time”

Contrary to popular belief, not all writing is painstaking and time-consuming. It’s alright if you can’t dedicate hours to writing your story, but be mindful of those slices of time that you could be writing. For optimal convenience, consider recording notes on your phone. Not only is this timesaving, but it doesn’t require your hands either. With that said, you could take notes while preparing a meal or taking a walk. Most people are invariably pressed for time, but you can always find creative ways to carry out important tasks.

“Technology Eludes Me”

Gadgets and gizmos and devices, oh my! With technology perpetually advancing, you may find that a simpler approach is best. Don’t concern yourself with capturing your story on the latest desktop or Apple tablet. If a pen and paper are what you’re comfortable with, stick with that. If you’d like to pursue a digital video route but are reluctant to explore it, enlist the help of Heritage Films.

The post Building Legacy Through Stories appeared first on Heritage Films.

One company, Heritage Films, is committed to bringing family history and memories back into an age where the past is forgotten. Understanding your family heritage is more than just seeing the demographics and last name changes through marriage. It is a chance to compare family traits, reunite with relatives and hear interesting stories.

One particular family history project involved a genealogy tracking that had been conducted years prior by a local enthusiast. The facts of the family tree were laid out in detail. This may sound amazing but without an accompanied story and video, the names were not very intriguing. Heritage Films was able to provide the steps in gathering old pictures, how to contact distant relatives, and create a timeline in video form that delivered an awesome story. Starting with knights of the round table, the movie clips created a sense of pride and reality to everyone involved.

How to Start your Ancestry Production

Collecting old photographs and stories from relatives is a great way to start your journey into piecing together a story. Involve the family and let the research begin! Kids will love researching and finding unknown relatives on the Internet. Place older members of the family to searching for old pictures in boxes and attics. Journals from distant family members that may outline a trip to the states can render the excitement and reality of living in the past.

Make a vacation of traveling to long-lost relatives and quiz them about interesting stories within their immediate family. Use a tape recorder so that no detail is left out. This is one vacation that you will be happy to see come to an end as you race home to compile your findings.

Not all families are lucky enough to already have a family tree tracked. However, this only adds more fun to the discovery process. Once as much information as possible has been obtained, turn over your findings to Family Legacy Productions and wait for your personal movie to be produced.

You have probably made a lot of friends along your journey of ancestry discovery. Start up the family reunion again with new extended family members and show your video. Have copies made for everyone and make it a habit to meet again. You will be surprised at how many more stories there will be to share.

The post Getting the Family Involved in Genealogy appeared first on Heritage Films.

Having an at-home genetic test done may seem fun and they are more accessible and affordable than ever. There is nothing inherently wrong with taking these tests, but you should be aware that they may not be needed. Some of the information that is discovered via testing can have serious ramifications. It’s important to be prepared for the results.

Here are 3 things to consider before you decide to participate in at-home genetic testing:

1. Be Knowledgeable About The Test’s Limitations Regarding Disease Risk
An at-home test is able to provide information about potential diseases. It can detect the fact your genetics give you a predisposition or increased risk of certain diseases. This is not a set-in-stone diagnosis,however. You may never get the disease or diseases you are genetically at risk for.

The at-home version of the test is not the same test medical providers use. They do not test for the same things. When it comes to the BRCA genes that indicate increased risk of breast cancer or other cancers, 23AndMe acknowledges that their testing only finds extremely rare mutations which are not the ones medical providers look for in assessing disease risk.

2. Heavily Consider Whether You Want To Know Your Risk For Diseases That Are Currently Without A Cure
Having the results in your hand may be a bittersweet or even anxiety-inducing moment. You may find out that you have a increased risk for certain serious diseases that are currently considered incurable.

Having increased risk does not act as a guarantee that you will get the disease. It’s possible you may be fearful of something that doesn’t come to pass. There is a significant amount of mental and emotional preparedness required to handle that possibility. Only you know if you’re ready.

3. Understand What You’ll Do With Your Results
Once you’ve done your testing and you get your results back, what do you plan to do with them? Do you want to schedule extra screenings as a preventative measure if you do show increased cancer risk, for example?

Even though these at-home tests are handy and fascinating, it may be prudent to enlist the help of a doctor or genetic counselor. Trained professionals will be able to assist you in figuring out what the results mean and how to move forward.

These tests can be a great starting point, but before you decide to do it, make sure you’re prepared. There are numerous resources online for genetic counseling, or you may make an appointment with your primary doctor to discuss the goals you have with testing and see what they recommend. Numerous doctors and genetic counselors prefer alternative options for reliable, accurate assessment of the risk of diseases.

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Sweet Words in a Jar

One creative way to use an old jar that once contained sweet jelly or another substance is to fill it with sweet words to, from, and about family members. You can give your jar a theme like “10 Reasons I Like Spending Time With My Children” or “8 Ways My Mother Puts a Smile on My Face.” These notes can be handwritten to add a personal touch and the jar can be decorated with things like magazine clippings, tissue paper, or the old pages of a calendar. Creativity is the key and these affirmations will warm the heart for the entire year once your Valentine’s Day celebration is completed.

Have a Scrapbook Day

You and your family can begin a new family tradition by making a scrapbook each Valentine’s Day that uses photos from the previous year to highlight the year’s best moments. The photos you use can be as simple or as complex as you and the members of your family like. The important thing is the time you all commit to the preservation of family memories.

Create a Memory Box

It is likely you have never thought of using an old shoebox as a place to house the favorite memories of your family. You should ask each member of your family to commit their favorite moments together to paper and place them in the shoebox. Other memorabilia that will help to commemorate these favorite moments can be placed in the shoebox also. This is a great activity for children as young as preschool ages. And they will never tire of reliving some of these memories when they are much older.

Plant Something

Green-conscious individuals will love the idea of foregoing candy and other sweets on Valentine’s Day in favor of a pack of seeds. There is something a little special about a gift that requires action on the part of the recipient after the gift is received. It is also nice to consider how you will have the opportunity to spend multiple Valentine’s Days with the flowers you plant and watch bloom.

Care for Others

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for you and your family to visit a hospital or nursing home. You can take cards with you for the people you visit or make the experience more personal by taking supplies with you and making cards while spending time with the people with whom you spend the day. Your children will learn that time spent with others is much more valuable than glittery things to look at and sweet things to eat.

Be Grateful

There are a number of people who toil day in and day out in anonymity so that we all can enjoy our lives more easily. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to recognize these hard-working civil servants. A batch of homemade cookies or bundle of Valentine’s Day cards will be a great way to acknowledge people like librarians, firemen, police officers, and others that we often take for granted.

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