If you asked your kids to tell you what they got for Christmas last year would they remember? I asked mine and they didn’t have a single coherent memory. That could mean that we bombed it in the gift giving department last year, but I don’t believe it. The real reason that they don’t remember is that kids (and grownups) don’t attach their memories to possessions, but to experiences. If I drop the whole gift line, my kids have tons of memories of things that we did last year. Their precious impressionable brains have latched onto moments.
And that’s exactly what I want for them, and a big reason why we have chosen travel as a way of life. I want to gift them with a lifetime of memory moments to take into adulthood. I know that those moments will become a part of the tapestry that weaves our family together forever. But, I don’t just want to make those memories while traveling. I also and especially want to make them at the holidays.
Christmas is a strange beast. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. There are so many fun things to do and events to attend-lights, music, parties. All too often, those potentially beautiful moments are steamrolled by the busy-ness of the season, and we are just dragged, and bedraggled along behind the parade of demands.
This year, I want to be intentional about harnessing the things that I know my children will remember-the moments. I want to do Christmas on purpose.
Christmas with purpose doesn’t necessarily mean doing less. It means doing things differently- with intention and a clear target in mind. For me, that means being more organized and putting in a little work up front so that I keep myself accountable to accomplish the goal of making the season more meaningful with memorable moments.
~ Our mantle with a paper chain countdown filled with intentional activities~
I have several ideas for how to make this season full of memories, but I am starting with a simple paper chain countdown. On each chain I have included a simple activity to celebrate the season. Some of these are things we do every year, and some are the things that I always want to remember to do, but forget. There are plenty of options that will allow us to show kindness to others during the holidays and a few things that will give us the space to just get together and enjoy each other.
And that’s what we really need in the holiday season- kindness, togetherness, and a reminder that it’s the little things that are really the big things.
You can print your own Christmas Countdown. There are more than 24 options here, so choose the ones that work best for your family and enjoy the season on purpose.
Christmas Bucket List Countdown Paper Chain
I love the paper chain idea. I am doing some kindness gnomes this year and will use many of your great ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!
Love the idea of the paper chain! I’m always filled with ideas of things to do during the holidays but then realize the month has come and gone. We’re going to make our own paper chain today with the girls. 😉
elaine schoch recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide: 15 of The Best Gifts for Travelers
I love this idea! So super cute. We did a paper chain and I wrote a little piece of the Christmas story from Luke on each paper. As we tore them off we read a part of the Christmas story each day. So special.
Amy Greene recently posted…My Kitchen Favorites Wish List for 2014
Such a great idea! We keep a list of all the things we want to be intentional about during the holidays and it really helps.
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