I had a birthday this weekend and my family had a little get together. I decided it would be fun to capture those birthday party elements that so many of us liked as kids — a fun group activity and gifts for everyone in attendance to take home.

Like many family gatherings, talking is the main event. When many people gather, many people talk…at the same time. I’m sure you know what I mean.

So, I brought this miniature djembe (African drum) to the party because I had an idea for a different kind of talking activity. We all gathered in a circle. Whoever was holding the drum was given the floor, so to speak. The drum holder was given the opportunity to talk about something good that’s happened to them recently while everyone else just listened.

It was amazing to hear about all the cool things that had recently transpired for everyone in the room. The energy was high and it was a fantastic way to share with one another. I don’t think we’ve ever done that!

The conversation that unfolded after that activity seemed more relaxed because there was no competition to be heard.

Nice.

The take-home gift was simply this:

Everyone was given a blank sheet of paper upon which they were to write their name. Then, everyone passed the paper to the right and each person wrote something that they appreciated about the person whose name was on top of the paper. What an enlightening exercise.

If you’re looking for ways to raise the creative energy of your next family get together, give one of these activities a try.