A journal of your
experiences or a family
scrapbook makes a thoughtful and
lasting gift for younger members of the family.
(Metro) - What parent
or grandparent hasn't labored lovingly over their holiday
shopping list, deciding on the perfect gift for family members
and friends? You wander the aisles of the toy or clothing store,
but nothing seems quite right. Finding the right presents for
loved ones - especially babies and children - can be
challenging.
Trends and interests
often change frequently, but you can give a gift that will last
throughout the years and be a token of your love. The holiday
season is about creating and sharing memories, and an easy way
to do so is through a journal or scrapbook. By piecing together
your thoughts, experiences, photographs and words of wisdom, you
can create a keepsake that's perfect to share with youngsters
who have only begun to create their own memories. Here are some
ways to get this project started:
· Consider a theme to
help you focus your thoughts. If the youngster is a budding
athlete, share stories of your sports experiences. Include
trading cards or news clips from your youth and photos of you in
uniform. Provide pointers on how he can improve his game.
· Share family
secrets. Create a cookbook with favorite foods that you can make
together. Or include tried-and-true instructions on how to build
a treehouse or dollhouse. These insider tips can be saved and
shared with future generations.
· Create a photo
collage of family, baby and childhood pictures. You can laugh
over the images as the child grows older and mention how
clothing styles have come and gone. Children often love to look
at older photos, especially those of close relatives. Many
neighborhood photo centers can duplicate old prints or touch-up
imperfections inexpensively.
· Look for resources
that can help you catalog your memories or jump-start new ideas.
Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Love and Wisdom is a
keepsake journal designed to make recording someone's complete
life story both easy and enjoyable. It's designed for sharing
what you've learned in life with the next generation. The
journal is filled with questions to draw out significant facts,
funny stories, touching memories, deep thoughts, and invaluable
advice on relationships, business, faith, family - a lifetime of
adventures, achievements and wisdom.
For additional
information, call (800) 360-2808. To see a sample of the
journal, visit
www.LightTheFire.com.
· Seek other media to
journal your experiences. You may wish to pass along your life
experiences but aren't comfortable writing your stories down -
or perhaps you can't write due to illness or incapacity. Video
diaries or audio resources can help you share your story
effortlessly - in your own voice and words. For example, the
Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Love and Wisdom Audio
Journal offers guidelines and materials for completing a 12-hour
audio account. It can make a treasured keepsake for years to
come.
Getting to know their
parents, grandparents and other relatives helps children not
only see their family in a new light, but also to gain a greater
sense of self. They can marvel at where and who they came from.
Isn't that a delightful holiday gift?
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