Holiday cake
This autobiographical exercise supports sharing personal memories and connecting through stories about meaningful moments.
Duration: 120 minutes with around 15 people. Setting the table: 10 minutes. Introduction: 5 minutes. Storytelling: 90 minutes. Summary: 15 minutes.
Difficulty level: 1/5
Preparation
Set a festive table with a tablecloth or napkins, cups, a jug of coffee or tea, and plates. In the center of the table, place a special cake, such as a cheesecake, on a plate or cake stand.
Choose a cake that is typically served on special occasions—like Sundays, weddings, or holidays. You can either buy it or bake it yourself, depending on your preference. For example, in Poland, cheesecake is a classic holiday dessert, while in Iceland, layered prune cake is often considered a festive tradition.
It’s a good idea to consult with participants in advance about their food intolerances and allergies to tailor the cake to the group's needs. Those who cannot eat cake can bring their favorite holiday treats or another meaningful food item.
Instructions
Invite participants to sit at a shared table, prepare their favorite drink (coffee, tea, or water), and settle in comfortably. Briefly mention that the table symbolizes connection, integration, and a sense of bond, such as across generations.
Encourage them to help themselves to the cake and share the first association that comes to mind.
Once everyone is comfortable, prompt the group to begin a conversation using the following questions:
Have you had this cake before?
What associations does this particular cake evoke for you? Are the memories pleasant or unpleasant?
What people or places come to mind?
When was this cake most present in your life—during childhood or youth?
What does "holiday cake" mean to you?
Do you have any anecdotes or family stories involving cake as the main character?
What are your personal experiences with this cake?
What different types of holiday cakes have you tried in your life? What did they look like? How did they taste? How were they served? Was there anything surprising?
Who among you bakes this cake on their own? (What kind? Do you enjoy baking it, or is it more of an obligation? For what occasions?)
What other associations and memories do you have related to the phrase “holiday cake”?
What does this story mean to you? What were you able to express through it?
Remind participants to take turns speaking, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts.
Helpful tips
Remember that in a culturally diverse group, culinary experiences and knowledge may vary significantly. Tailor the questions in a way that ensures everyone feels included and comfortable.
Wrap-up
Briefly summarize that the table symbolizes connection, integration, and a sense of bond. The topic of food offers a unique opportunity to share personal stories and cultural insights.
Ask participants:
What does the story you have shared mean to you?
What were you able to express through it?
If the group enjoyed this journey through time and memories, feel free to choose another topic for reflection.