Memorial Day is a holiday that sometimes gets overlooked because of its close proximity to the end of school and being sandwhiched between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
This holiday has been observed since 1971 and dates back to the end of the Civil War. It’s specifically aimed at remembering and paying honor to those serving in the armed forces, but as time as gone on, it has evolved into a day of remembrance for all those who have passed on before us.
In my family it’s spent taking flowers and flags to grandparents. I enjoy spending time with my parents and grandparents learning about those who paved the way before, but not everyone has that ability.
So how do you honor those ancestors who came before? By adding to that family dinner on Memorial Day a special version of Jeopardy of course!
Memorial Day Family Jeopardy Game
Step 1: Gather Information
Begin by gathering information about your family. It’s a great idea to send out a questionnaire a few weeks before your family dinner and get some responses, that way you can create your Jeopardy template beforehand. Below I’ve listed a few questions you can use, but feel free to customize it according to your family.
Family 20 Questions
- Who is your hero?
- If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
- What is your biggest fear?
- What is your favorite family vacation?
- What’s your proudest accomplishment?
- What is your favorite book to read?
- What makes you laugh the most?
- If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
- What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
- Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
- If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Who is your favorite author?
- Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
- Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?
- Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
- What is the best gift you have been given?
- What’s your favorite holiday?
- What is your favorite family recipe?
- What’s your favorite family tradition?
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
It’s also a good idea to see if any of the wiser members of your family could fill in these questions for their parents or grandparents. You can generalize information to birthdays, birth places, occupations, etc. if you need to!
Step 2: Make a Jeopardy Game!
There are literally a bunch of websites you can go to and create your own Jeopardy. I like using this one the best though. You don’t have to play traditional Jeopardy. Try mixing it up and playing how it makes sense to you! Instead, I would put categories like “Favorite Book” and then go through and list out favorite novels with the person’s name as the answer. It’s fun and a cool way to learn about your family past and present.
Step 3: Add Snacks!
No party is complete without snacks. Grab a box of assorted chips like these, and a box of assorted snack cookies like these and you’ve got the start of a good gathering. The key to snacks and games is having snacks be easy to eat with your fingers, quick to consume, and not messy.
Step 4: Play and Learn!
Now all that’s left is to play and learn about your family. So this Memorial Day, spend a little time getting to know those members, past and present, who make up your unique family.
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