Giving Experiences, Not Just Things, This Christmas

With Christmas approaching and the temptation for “things” being thrown at us almost every moment of every day, I wanted to share an inspiring post I came across. I wish I could remember who posted it so I could give proper credit, but the message stuck with me:

“Instead of trying to give your kids everything you didn’t have, try to teach them everything you didn’t know.”

What a powerful concept! I thought I’d take this idea and apply it to the holiday season: instead of trying to give your kids everything they want, try giving them experiences they won't forget.

Reflecting on Christmas Past

Think back to your own childhood or even last year’s holiday season. What are some experiences you wish you’d had or traditions you don’t want your kids to miss out on? Grab a piece of paper and jot down a few ideas:

1. Things you did as a child but haven’t done with your kids – is there a Christmas movie you always watched that you haven’t introduced to your kids yet?
2. Simple things you wish you’d done as a child – did your family skip leaving carrots out for the reindeer? Perhaps come up with a snack you can make for Rudolph and crew this year!
3. Neat ideas you've seen friends do – this isn’t a competition! This is just appreciation for some cool things friends do that you’d like to give a go…ask them for some guidance.
4. Christmas traditions your extended family did that have gone by the wayside – did you and your cousins always go see a local production of The Nutcracker? Start it up again!
5. Start a new tradition – my dad and I always snuck out to the stores the day after Christmas and bought a few clearance decorations to surprise my mom the following year. I highly recommend this… 😉

More Ideas to Spark Your Memory or Imagination

Here are additional items to trigger your imagination and help you create memorable experiences with your kids:

1. Riding around in the car looking at lights in the neighborhoods
2. Going for a walk in the cold while drinking hot chocolate
3. Visiting a local zoo, museum, or hardware store to see festive displays
4. Window shopping – I LOVED walking around downtown Chicago as a kid to see the window displays!
5. Learning a Christmas song together – do your best to play it on instruments or learn the different vocal parts...a family band! 😉
6. Ice skating or sledding
7. Visiting a tree farm and having apple cider while walking through the trees
8. Drawing Christmas trees, presents, and candy canes on your car windows
9. Cuddling up for a Christmas movie marathon
10. Volunteering – anything from an animal shelter to participating in a 5K for charity
11. Baking cookies for your neighbors
12. Making small, easy ornaments to decorate your house plants
13. Dying your food red and green
14. Playing soft Christmas music while sitting together reading – either share a story or read your own books
15. Crafting – I’m not a huge craft person, but I can make an excellent Santa out of a paper plate, cotton balls, glue, and construction paper…

Whether you’re revisiting old traditions, trying something new, or finding inspiration from friends, the memories you create with your kids will far outlast any toy under the tree. So this year, give the gift of experiences – for you and your kids!

More inspiration:

5 Childhood Christmas Traditions We'll Never Outgrow by Southern Living

45 Fun Christmas Activities for Kids by Taming Little Monsters

52+ Magical Christmas Activities for Kids for A Memorable Holiday by Momtivational