From a story perspective, Christmas is a prolific time of year. As we gather with friends and families we recall the memories of the past and create new stories as presents are unwrapped, as turkeys emerge from the oven (or the Weber BBQ in the Schenk household), as Dads relive past triumphs with a half-century in the backyard cricket and, for some, as family members rub each other up the wrong way 🙂

Stories help us reconnect with old memories, relive special moments and learn more about our friends and families. They also help turn strangers into friends.

Here are some questions that might help create a fun and story-filled festive season:

• What was your funniest moment in 2011?
• What was the high point of the year for you? What happened?
• Same question, but the low point.
• What was your best Christmas present ever?
• What was your most memorable Christmas ever?
• The best thing you have done this year?
• Which family traditions from your childhood have you continued with your own children?
• When was the last time you mentally wanted to punch someone at Christmas time?
• When did you realise that Santa is a fake and reindeer can’t really fly?

Its also important to remember one of our favourite mantras – little things make a big difference. Now, I’m the first to admit I am not very good at this but I did something on Friday…a friend had surgery and was coming home around lunchtime. I went to her place and put on the breadmaker so she came home to the smell of fresh-baked bread. She was really pleased and a few days later I overheard her telling her parents on the phone about it…

We’d like to thank all the people we have worked with this year and all our friends, all over the world, who have helped make 2011 a rewarding and successful year.

Best wishes for the festive season and for a happy, healthy and successful 2012 from all of us at Anecdote