Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories

Christmas memories are never dependent on the amount of money spent or the popularity of the toy. Memories are made up of amount of heart invested and given. This year, let your children invest their time and hearts in making Christmas memories for your family.

1. Buy white or red place mats and let your children create their own artwork with fabric crayons. A placemat can be made for each guest at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Your children will feel an important part of the festivities.

2. Make paper angels and have your children write short messages to each family member stating the things about that person for which they are thankful. Your children will have an opportunity to think beyond the commercialism of the day to appreciate the blessings they already have.

3. Start a cookie exchange among the neighborhood children. Your children can make a dozen cookies for each family in the neighborhood and deliver them wrapped in a colored tin. They can then sit back and weight to see the kind of cookie surprises come to their door!

4. Allow your children to make this year's Christmas cards. Simply buy blank cards at your favorite office supply store and let your children loose with magic markers. They can even compose a poem and message for each recipient.

5. Have your children come up with small tasks they can easily do - like taking out the trash. They can then write those tasks on plain paper angels they make themselves. Have them deliver the angels to elderly neighbors as a gift of sharing for the holiday season. Learning to give the gift of themselves can be the most valuable memory of the season!

Let your children become a vital part of the planning of the holiday season and not simply receivers of gifts. It will help them understand that giving can be as much fun (and more rewarding!) as receiving. And their memories of this holiday season may set a lifelong pattern ? which may be the best holiday present of all!

About The Author

Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years experience. Visit her website, http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com, for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!). Or for original content unique to your website, written especially for your keywords and your audience, visit http://www.pamelacoleharris.com.

---

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Unique Mothers Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate

With Mother's Day approaching fast, it's time to begin thinking... Read More

Father?s Day Gift Idea: Do-It-Yourself Backyard Pond Kit

This Father's Day, sit back and enjoy a nice cold... Read More

Christmas Holidays: 5 Ways To Make This Holiday Your Best Ever

For many people the end of a year is a... Read More

Top 50 Christmas Quotations

"Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas -... Read More

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies: Let Go Of The "Brady Bunch"... Read More

Single During the Holidays

Mistletoe. Holiday parties. New Years kiss at midnight. This time... Read More

The History And Origin Of Valentines Day

The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in... Read More

The Origins Of Mothers Day

Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More

Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

There she was in all her glory. Long white lab... Read More

Incredibles Kid Birthday Party Idea

Mr. Incredible and Elastiwoman to the Rescue. The Incredibles based... Read More

Make a Golden Christmas Tree

Several Years ago while I was shopping for Christmas I... Read More

Decorate for Christmas

It's your home/your apartment and you want to make it... Read More

Decorating for a Victorian Christmas

Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but... Read More

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

Putting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a holiday... Read More

How To Stay Slim During The Holiday Season

The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once... Read More

EASTER: The Bunny and The Egg

Ever wonder why there's an "Easter Bunny"? Ever wonder why... Read More

Create a Holiday Feast For The Senses

This is my daughter's first Christmas. Naomi will be nearly... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More

Valentines Day is NOT only for Lovers

Some people hate to see Valentines Day come around. Some... Read More

Fourth of July Quotes

MADRID ? For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July... Read More

Lost and Found (A Valentines Day Story)

I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More

Little Helpers in the Holiday Kitchen

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to allow your... Read More

Jeweled Shamrock Pendant

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and according to tradition... Read More

Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories

Christmas memories are never dependent on the amount of money... Read More

Fun, Fireworks, & Flowers!

The 4th of July is a time for celebrating Freedom!... Read More

Animatronic Halloween Props - Cardboard Carpentry

One of the most inexpensive ways to create stonewalls in... Read More

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More

Buying Jewelry for Mother?s Day or How To Buy The Perfect Gift for Mom Without Getting Ripped Off

Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother's... Read More

Give Presence Not Presents

Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show... Read More

How to Host Thankgiving Dinner and Enjoy it Anyway

You've been nominated; or perhaps your family has issued a... Read More

The History of Christmas Ornaments

History of OrnamentsIn A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first... Read More