I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and two times a year we get to listen as a family to the apostles, prophet, and leaders of our church give uplifting messages and sermons all centered on Jesus Christ. It is a special time for many families and lots of traditions have been established. Here is a list of ideas if you are just beginning to add General Conference traditions to your family or are looking to switch things up. Please comment below any that you do that are missing here!
Special Breakfast / Treat
A common one is cinnamon rolls. Maybe it’s crepes or waffles or a big breakfast Sunday morning. Whatever it may be, food is always a great way to memory and tradition to your General Conference.
Our family makes apple pie during the October Conference and a baked treat on the April.
Candy/Treat Listening Games
You receive a treat when you hear “Jesus Christ” or other certain words. I honestly am not too fond of the overload on candy and treats, so here is my list of things you could use to help balance the sugary treats:
- Temple → Popcorn
- Prophet → Goldfish cracker
- Faith → Blueberries
- Prayer → Mini Pretzel
- Scripture → Apple slices
- Family → Strawberry slices
- Holy Ghost/Spirit → Yogurt melt
- Missionary/Mission → Cheese cube
- Covenant → Cheerio
- Service → Sugar Snap Peas
- Love → Raspberries
- Joy → Mandarin Oranges
- Repent/Reptence → Raisins
- Heavenly Father/God → Cashew
- Book of Mormon → Almond Cracker
- Commandments → Pumpkin seed
- Revelation → Grapes
- Atonement → Pineapple
Here are the treats we will have in our home:
- Dark-Chocolate covered almonds
- Yogurt-covered raisins
- Mini M&Ms
- Peanut butter filled Dates
- Muffins
Conference Bingo
When you hear a word, you can place a treat on your bingo card and receive a prize when you get 4 in a row!
The game “I Spy General Conference” from this blog is a great activity for all ages, like the bingo but more visual and less about hearing.
Set up a tent to lounge and point towards the TV
Like the people pitching their tent towards the temple to listen to King Benjamin in Mosiah, add a little fun and pitch a small tent inside the house that is pointed towards the TV. Let the kids lounge, color, and snack inside. Definitely a memorable tradition!
Apostle & Leader Garland + Paper Bag
Our family has all the apostles and church leaders printed, laminated, and then are pinned to a string when they have given a talk. You could have them laid down on the floor or in a box, or tape them onto a brown paper bag that can be opened up with a small prize (think coloring pages, new crayons) or small candy. We try to avoid tons of sugar in our family so we will be adding these items that we find around the home (also avoiding spending tons of money on “stuff”):
- Playdough
- Coloring pages + coloring pencils
- Puzzles
- Stickers
- Bracelet suplies
- LEGOs
Conference Store
Lots of families do Conference cash/tickets and a store where kids can earn tickets for listening and spend them on treats, toys, crafts, or activities.
Conference Fantasy League
Turn it into a guessing game before General Conference starts and see who can get the most correct guesses or what session an apostle or leader will speak, what color tie will they be wearing, if President Utchdorf will mention airplanes in his talk, etc.
Conference Quote Wall
Write favorite quotes on cards and display them throughout the weekend.
Cozy Clothes
Definitely only wearing cozy pjs and hanging on the couch during Conference!
Family Conference Photo
Take a photo of everyone on the couch or same spot every six months and it is a fun way to watch the kids grow!
Post-Conference Tradition
Everyone chooses one favorite talk and one thing to work on. Take some quiet time to write down impressions and personal thoughts that the Holy Ghost pressed onto your mind that the Lord wanted you to know.
