Making Memories

Decorating the tree  is one of my absolute favourite Christmas events.  It is an event for me.  I can spend the better part of an afternoon looking at all of the ornaments and memories my family has collected over the years.  There is  the bride and groom from the year we got married, one for each of the kids’ first Christmases,  some sand in a ball from our trip to Mexico and the many things that the kids have brought home from playgroup and school. 

Tree ornaments do not have to be expensive and can be homemade. For example, a travel souvenir such as a key chain can be turned into a Christmas memento ornament with a simple red ribbon tied onto it. Spend some timewith this kids this year, before or after Christmas, to craft some new memories.   Here are some that I really like.  

Here are some other ideas for meaningful Christmas tree decorations:

 
Meaningful ornaments:

·        Bride and groom to signify a wedding
·        A 'baby's first Christmas' ornament for each child inscribed with the year
·        Homemade ornaments with each family member's name
·        Country flags for each country your family has visited
·        Icons of sports teams you favour
·        Cotton ball snowmen made by the kids (one for each member of your family)
·        Angel ornaments to remember deceased loved ones
·        Decorated sea shells you've collected on holiday
·        Animal ornaments for your canine or feline friends
·        An annual family ornament (any ornament marked with that year's date on it)
·        Small framed photos of the children - so you can see how much they've changed from year to year
·        Ornaments the kids have made at school
·        Plain ornaments decorated with glitter and ribbons by the kids (fun indoor activity)

Impressions of a child's feet and hands are  always a wonderful reminder of the day when they were small.   I just love any craft that can incorporate a litte one's hands and feet.   Here are some great craft ideas using foot prints and handprints.  Don't forget the share a few with Grandma and Grandpa.