What are some elements that make a family story 'craziest'?

Survival against all odds is a big factor. For example, if a soldier is alone in a harsh environment surrounded by the enemy like in the Vietnam War story above, and still manages to live. Another element is when a small group outsmarts a much larger force, like the soldiers behind enemy lines in WWII making dummies. Also, extreme acts of heroism, such as the Napoleonic Wars regiment holding their ground with no hope of escape until help came.

Unexpected events. For example, winning a huge lottery when you least expect it. You were just living your normal life, buying groceries perhaps, and then suddenly you're a millionaire. It completely changes your life path in a split second.

Unexpected events make a Christmas story crazy. For example, if a Christmas dinner is interrupted by a flock of wild turkeys storming into the house. It's completely out of the ordinary and catches everyone off guard.

The top 5 craziest war stories are wild because of the unique strategies involved. At Gallipoli, the Ottoman's strong defense against the Allied forces was a key factor. The complex terrain also contributed. In the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's ability to fight in extremely cold weather with a smart strategy made it a crazy story. And the human aspect, like the Christmas Truce in WWI, where the soldiers' brief moment of peace in the middle of war was something extraordinary.

One element could be miscommunication. For example, if a partner wrongly assumes that their significant other is getting too close to someone else without actually understanding the nature of their relationship. Another is jealousy. Excessive and unfounded jealousy can turn a normal situation into a cuck - like perception. Also, secrets. If one person in a relationship is keeping secrets about their interactions with a third party, it can create a cuck - like scenario.

Surprises can make a family story crazy. For example, if a long - lost relative suddenly shows up at the family dinner. Another element could be misunderstandings. Like when my sister thought my mother was giving her permission to dye her hair blue, but in fact, my mother was just talking about a blue - haired lady she saw on the street. Chaos also plays a part. When there are too many people in the kitchen trying to cook at the same time and everything goes wrong but in a funny way.

A great family adventure story often has relatable characters. If the readers can identify with the family members in the story, they are more likely to be engaged. For instance, in 'The Boxcar Children', the orphans' resourcefulness and their bond as a 'family' is very relatable. Mysterious elements also play a part. Consider 'Journey to the Center of the Earth', with its exploration of the unknown interior of the earth. And of course, there should be a sense of growth and learning for the characters throughout the adventure.

Surprises can make a family story fun. For example, a surprise birthday party for a family member where everyone has been secretly planning. Also, family pets often add a lot of humor. Like when our dog chased its own tail during a family gathering and everyone burst out laughing.

Sure. One of the craziest family stories I know is about a family who accidentally went on a road trip with a stowaway cat in their RV. They didn't notice the cat until they had driven hundreds of miles. Another is a family that had a tradition of wearing the most outlandish costumes for Thanksgiving dinner every year, like dressing up as characters from a fantasy world.

Love is a key element. In nice family stories, you often see family members showing love for each other, whether it's a mother's love for her child or siblings looking out for one another. Another element is support. For example, when a family member is ill, the rest of the family rallying around to take care of them makes for a great family story.