I am certain you have heard to give “experiences” instead of toys or items. When this has been presented to me it has felt like “give a Disney vacation” or something similarly extravagant. What if we changed our narrative all together. Perhaps it is more about the daily or seasonal memories that cost next to nothing that will be the largest gifts in the long term.
This means shifting the mindset from many gifts, to one for each person. Giving the same gift for three different people so that shopping takes less time. Then using that brain space, the time and energy towards shopping you spend it all on making memories or simple traditions. To be honest – they might remember a couple toys later in life, but most will be forgotten. But the children will reminisce over Christmas memories, like gingerbread houses and hot chocolate.
HOT CHOCOLATE
Having hot chocolate mix, marshmallows and special cups makes hot chocolate on a cold day the best way to break up the afternoon. It gets the kids outside, with the promise of hot chocolate in a little while and it gives them the warm feelings of home when they get inside. I promise hot chocolate will be something they remember for years to come.
GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Last year we spent a snowy morning, close to Christmas, making gingerbread houses. We will be doing it again. It was so an entertaining activity for everyone. The children ate most of the candies and us adults had a Christmas cocktail. It was an extremely pleasant (a little messy) memory. We will be more particular on the types of candy and use graham crackers for the house, but otherwise – we are sold on the tradition. One hint: Put a baking sheet or cardboard covered in parchment paper under the houses for easier clean up.
Tree FOR THE KIDS
This is one of the Christmas memories I have from childhood. Each of us children had our own tiny trees, about 18 inches tall. With our own tiny ornaments and beads for garland. It was up to us to decorate as often as we wanted and if we wanted it undecorated – no problem. I remember spending what felt like hours but was probably minutes rearranging the ornaments and playing with them through out the season.
Countdowns
Build anticipation with an advent calendar or a simple countdown. These could be easily made or bought. Advent calendars or other more interactive countdowns are also fun. Be honest with yourself what you have capacity for this year. Sometimes the same tradition, like advent calendars or elf on the shelf, can be simplified into something more manageable. We have a digital file on Etsy that is linked in the picture that makes for an easy colorable countdown, either could be printed at home on a letter paper or go to the Walgreens or Staples app to order a poster size countdown.
Christmas Cookies
First, it can be so so easy to Christmas memories around cookies. Get a roll of sugar cookie dough from Pillsbury, a biscuit cutter and premade frosting and a multipack of sprinkles. This is not going to make the most beautiful or gourmet cookies. But they will make a memory. Again, use something under each work station to keep the mess contained. Also putting different colors of frosting on small plates for each child will help them know what they can use to decorate.
LIGHT SHOWS
There are so many ways your family might want to do this. One is to go to a local Zoo or Botanical Gardens that have set up a large light show, these are usually somewhat expensive. Some of our family friends get Wendy’s, eat in the car and drive around one of our large towns in the area looking for cool Christmas lights. This is just a way to make memories is to make it a little special and doesn’t happen at other times of the year.
LET US KNOW how you are making christmas memories!
We would love to hear what you are planning to do this year to make Christmas memories. Either add a comment, send us an email via the contact page, or tag us in a post on Facebook or Instagram! We would love to see if our ideas helped you create a memory with your children!
