Remember the smells of your mom’s kitchen after you had just made a batch of cookies with her? Or mom taking out your favorite Christmas ornament to put on the tree? We all have different memories of our mothers. It should make us think about what kind of memories we are making with our own children.
Some moms today are too busy making sure that “Susie†gets to dance and “Tom†to soccer that they forget to make those memories. I encourage all moms to stop, breathe, and plan a small memory moment. You can make a memory with your child, no matter what their age.
If you have toddlers and preschool age children, get a kid friendly nativity set. Sit down with them and “act out†the Christmas Story. The comments from your kids will definitely make you laugh. For elementary age kids, grab a stack of white paper and some scissors. Cut out snowflakes while playing Christmas music. (You make some too) Then use them as a decoration. Ok…moms with preteens to high schoolers…yes you can make memories too….pick them up from school, take them shopping for a special friend or go to a favorite hangout. (Remember to wear your coolest clothes). The point is to make the memory.
Traditions can also help us make memories with our kids. Every year my husband and son make a Gingerbread House. I supply the stuff then sit back and watch the handy work. Our oldest asks every year….When we will make the Gingerbread House? It is a tradition that we have in our home. Chances are it is one he will pass down to his own family. Now that makes me smile.
Create new memories by giving back to your community. Start a family tree mural with photos. Make a weekly meal a memory, Saturday breakfast or Friday night pizza, for example.
The Christmas season is in full swing…… Remember to take time to make a memory for your children. Sometimes these memory making moments can be a window into their soul. Sometimes they are just fun. Memories are meant to be savored and stored away to share. Some day your child will share that memory with their children and the tradition of making memories will be carried on for another generation.
I challenge you to make a memory with your family.
Just last night, Ben and I both made Cookies with Anna and Emily. Anna mostly just played with the dough, but it was so much fun! It is amazing at what 15 minutes can do for a child! Emily loves to ask me about things I did when I was little. When Charlie Brown Christmas comes on I’ll say “I used to watch this when I was little”, Then we watch it together. I have just created a memory.
At a mother’s tea last week, Someone asked “do you remember what you got for Christmas when you were 4? 5? 6?
But do you have memories of your Christmas’ ?… It’s not all about the presents, it’s about the memories!