Over the River and Through the Woods: The Case for Grandma’s Will

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy feeling of visiting Grandma’s house during the holidays. The smell of fresh-baked cookies, the sound of laughter, and the joy of family gatherings create memories that last a lifetime. But one snowy holiday season, nestled by the fireplace at Grandma’s house, I realized something important—Grandma needed a will.

Inspired by the classic song “Over the River and Through the Woods,” I found myself humming a new version of the lyrics. It goes something like this:

Over the river and through the woods,

To Grandma’s house we go.

Her stories are sweet, but her estate's incomplete,

Her wishes we don’t yet know!

It all started when Grandma began sharing stories about her cherished heirlooms—the antique clock on the mantel, her wedding ring, and even the patchwork quilt she made decades ago. Each item held a special memory, but it made me wonder: what would happen to these treasures if Grandma didn’t write them down?

Why a Will Matters

A will ensures that your loved ones know exactly how you want your belongings, property, and finances handled. It eliminates guesswork, reduces potential disputes, and gives everyone peace of mind. For Grandma, a will would mean her family legacy—and her favorite stories—could live on.

Here’s how we gently started the conversation:

1. Focus on Family: We talked about her values and the importance of keeping the family close, even after she’s gone.

   
   

2. Make It About Her Wishes: I emphasized that creating a will was about her deciding what happens, not leaving it up to chance.

   
   

3. Take It One Step at a Time: We started small—just discussing her sentimental items—and then moved on to her larger assets.

Don’t Wait for Tomorrow

As the song continues:

Over the river and through the woods,

Grandma deserves some peace.

We’ll help her prepare, show her we care,

And her worries will finally cease!

Creating a will doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether it’s a simple will or a comprehensive estate plan, starting the process now can save your loved ones from stress later.

Take the First Step Today

This holiday season, take a moment to talk to your loved ones about estate planning. Whether you’re the one who needs a will or you’re gently nudging a loved one, remember that it’s a gift of love and clarity. And if you need help getting started, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Because nothing says “I care” like ensuring Grandma’s holiday cookies—and her legacy—are part of your family story for generations to come.

Happy Holidays, and happy planning!