Carol Gilbert shares how she deals with giving away treasured belongings to the next generation.
There was a time when someone passed away, that siblings might struggle with each other to claim favorite things you left behind. That favorite chair, that China doll, your silver tea set. Jewelry was sought after, even squabbled over. But times change and so do the desires of the next generation.
Their style of life is much more casual. They eschew registering for glassware and silver and china any more. Artsy jewelry is more their thing and gemstones mean little or seen as too “pretentious.” Items that have been passed down through several generations have meant a lot to me, but the next generation doesn’t see the same value in those items since they didn’t have a connection with those relatives.
I do have to admit though that inheriting a Steinway baby grand piano from my grandmother when I first married was a burden. Who has room for that in your first place you lived? Off that went to be traded in for a stereo that we would use. In another instance, some beautiful demitasse cups that came out every Thanksgiving that I loved, were given to my nieces. They got rid of them shortly after.
So, my recommendation is to let your children speak up for the few things they may want and tag them with Post-Its. We will live on with our children in their memories, not in our belongings. With a Perspective, I’m Carol Gilbert.