What to Write in a Family Journal: 7 Ideas to Capture the Heart of Your Home

Coulson Macleod
23 hours ago
4 min read

At Coulson Macleod, we LOVE words. Not just the way they look on a page, but the way they carry meaning, capture emotion, and tell stories that last a lifetime. It’s why we create wonderfully wordy gifts and why we deeply value the power of the written word. Because when things are captured in writing, they're not fleeting; they become part of a legacy.

In the rush of daily life, it's easy to let beautiful everyday memories slip by unnoticed. The school runs, bedtime routines, movie nights, weekend adventures, and spontaneous kitchen dance parties all blend together in a busy blur. But, within that blur are the moments that make up your family’s story; small, fleeting yet deeply meaningful.

That’s where a family journal comes in...

If you’ve ever wanted to start one but weren’t sure what to include, here are some thoughtful and fun ideas to inspire your journal entries and help you capture the everyday magic that makes your family yours.

Read on for more...

Person writing in a notebook, seated on a cream-striped sofa. Blue jeans and a light shirt visible, creating a calm and focused mood.

Your family journal doesn't need to be fancy or perfectly written; it’s simply a place to pause and preserve the essence of your family life as it unfolds. Whether it’s a scribbled note about a toddler’s first word or a heartfelt reflection after a long day, a family journal can become one of the most cherished items in your home.

1. Milestones and Celebrations

Start with the big stuff. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, first steps, new jobs, or moving to a new home. These events anchor your family’s timeline and give context to your shared journey.

Ideas:

“Evie lost her first tooth today! She put it under her pillow and got £2 from the Tooth Fairy.”
“We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a picnic in the backyard, just like our first date.”
"Grandad turned 80 today. We surprised him with a proper Sunday roast and Victoria sponge. His favourite."

2. Everyday Moments

Often, it’s the small, quiet moments that become the most cherished memories later. Write about family dinners, inside jokes, bedtime stories, or the way your toddler pronounces certain words.

Ideas:

“We played Monopoly by candlelight during the power cut and ended up having the best laugh.”
“Ella insisted on wearing her new wellie boots to bed tonight.”
“We all piled onto the sofa with hot chocolate to watch The Great British Bake Off."

Family of four walking in a sunlit field, holding hands. Trees in the background, clear sky. Peaceful and warm atmosphere.

3. Seasonal Traditions

Capture your unique rituals - how you celebrate holidays, the first day of school, or even weekend routines.

Ideas:

“Every summer, we pick blackberries together and make Grandma's famous crumble recipe.”
“New Year’s Eve tradition: takeaway curry, pyjamas, and writing our resolutions to put in a jar.”
"We built a lopsided snowman in the garden, but the dog stole the carrot for his nose."

4. Reflections and Gratitude

Include pages for everyone to reflect on what they’re thankful for, proud of, or dreaming about.

Ideas:

“Today I’m grateful for our noisy, messy house because it means we’re all here together.”
“Ava said she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up - preferably one that looks after ponies."
“I’m thankful for slow Sunday mornings when the kettle’s always on.”

5. Letters to the Future

Write entries addressed to your future selves or your children when they grow up. These are especially moving to read years down the line.

Ideas:

“To Future Max: I hope you always keep your sense of adventure and wonder.”
“Dear Family in 2040: We hope you still make pancakes on Sundays.”
"Dear Future Family: May we always find time to be together and share meals, no matter how busy life gets."

Child decorates Christmas tree cookies with icing on a kitchen counter. A baking tray holds house-shaped biscuits. Festive and colourful.

6. Funny Moments

Don’t forget the laughter! Document the silly things your kids say, kitchen disasters, or epic family game night fails.

Ideas:

“We tried to make slime today and ended up glueing our fingers together.”
“Mum accidentally put salt instead of sugar in the cookies… again.”
“Ben called spaghetti ‘pasketti’ today, and we couldn’t stop laughing.”

7. Photos, Drawings, and Mementoes

Add personality and visual memories. Attach a photo, a child’s drawing, or a ticket stub. Even a little handwriting from your kids becomes a treasure later.

Ideas:

Stick in a train ticket from your day trip to the seaside (complete with sand still stuck to it, of course).
Add a drawing of the family pet (however wonky) done by the littlest artist in the house.
Tuck in the paper wristband from a local music festival
Get the family together and take a Polaroid every Christmas to tape into your journal