Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories

When many think about children and the holiday season, they think of what toys and presents they are going to buy them. Though there is no denying that kids absolutely love ripping open those neatly wrapped packages on Christmas morning, I realized one day that what I actually got for Christmas was never what I remembered. Can you remember what gifts you were given when you were 10 years old? Probably not. But I bet you can remember something funny or joyous that happened on one or more Christmas (my father attempting to “sing along” with karaoke is one of my finest holiday memories).

Here are some easy and inexpensive ways you can get your children investing and building some great holiday memories:

Come Up with Family Traditions

Something as simple as playing a board game, baking holiday cookies or volunteering at a shelter during the holiday season is a great way to start building up your own unique family traditions. The day you set up the tree and decorate the house also allows families to come up with their own special ways of getting into the holiday spirit.

TIP: Try allocating different duties to different family members. One person can be in charge of putting the tinsel on the tree, one person can be responsible for the lights, and you can alternate who puts the start or angel on the top of the tree each year.

Make Your Own Ornaments

You can buy some pre-made art bulbs in craft stores, or even make your own ornaments from what you have around the house. Popsicle sticks make great “picture frames” for any small paintings or pictures your child wants to draw. The egg holders in egg cartons also afford numerous possibilities for holiday-inspired decoration ideas. You can even make your own ornaments that include pictures of your children, a pet, or even your entire family each year so you all remember each Christmas you share together.

DIY Christmas Cards

Break out the glitter, the glue and the paints! It’s time for your children to make their own Christmas cards that they can either give to you, other family members or even their classmates! You can buy card stock from any craft store, or use construction paper you may already have for this project.

TIP: Encourage your children to go door to door with you and deliver these cards to neighbors and friends. This will help them learn that Christmas is not just about what they get, but also that it’s about what they give!

A Family Christmas Carol

For those of you who are musical out there, this one’s for you. Who says you need to sing those same old Christmas carols year after year? Your family can work on their own Christmas carol in front of a piano, with a guitar, or even just at the dinner table with a couple of spoons! It’s a fun way for everyone to be silly and let loose.

A Family Bake-Off

Short-bread cookies in the shapes of angels, Christmas trees and Santa Claus are a favorite with my kids. We all work on the dough, the cookie cutting and the icing of the cookies together and share them with friends. My kids especially love pointing out which cookies they decorated.

The holidays need not be a time for you to go into debt. Draw on your creative spirit and get innovative!

photo by Aldaron