Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children
Invest in Holiday Memories
by: Pamela Cole Harris
Christmas memories are never
dependent on the amount of money spent or the popularity of the
toy. Memories are made up of amount of heart invested
and given. This year, let your
children invest their time and hearts in making Christmas
memories for your family.
1. Buy white or red place mats and let your children
create their own artwork with fabric crayons. A placemat can be
made for each guest at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Your
children will feel an important part of the festivities.
2. Make paper angels and have your children write short
messages to each family member stating the things about that
person for which they are thankful. Your children will have an
opportunity to think beyond the commercialism of the day to
appreciate the blessings they already have.
3. Start a cookie exchange among the neighborhood children.
Your children can make a dozen cookies for each family in the
neighborhood and deliver them wrapped in a colored tin. They
can then sit back and weight to see the kind of cookie
surprises come to their door!
4. Allow your children to make this year’s Christmas cards.
Simply buy blank cards at your favorite office supply store and
let your children loose with magic markers. They can even
compose a poem and message for each recipient.
5. Have your children come up with small tasks they can easily
do - like taking out the trash. They can then write those tasks
on plain paper angels they make themselves. Have them deliver
the angels to elderly neighbors as a gift of sharing for the
holiday season. Learning to give the gift of themselves can be
the most valuable memory of the season!
Let your children become a vital part of the planning of the
holiday season and not simply receivers of gifts. It will help
them understand that giving can be as much fun (and more
rewarding!) as receiving. And their memories of this holiday
season may set a lifelong pattern – which may be the best
holiday present of all!
About The Author
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years
experience. Visit her website, www.homeandgardenmakeover.com,
for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a
free monthly newsletter!). Or for original content unique to
your website, written especially for your keywords and your
audience, visit www.pamelacoleharris.com.
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