Material vs. Memories

With the holidays coming up, my mom and I were already speaking about plans for Christmas and how this year’s gift exchange would work. I always look forward to my parent’s gifts, because they always manage to find some quirky, fun item that I’ve never seen before. And, now with our expanded family, they receive the same joy in seeing the boys open these unique gifts.

Let me give you an example or two… From a trip to Holland, MI, my mom came back with some creative gifts in tow: a set of hats for all of us - Dutch girl hat for me, as well as Dutch hats for my husband and ‘the boys’. Not to mention the awesome plush yellow clog slippers… Just imagine that picture! Two 18 year olds and my husband in some brightly colored hats with feathers… Now do you get the idea?

But as we all get older, it gets increasingly difficult to find new and exciting gifts for our growing family. This year, mom was talking about just giving cash or gift cards so people could pick out exactly what they want. As we spoke, I recalled reading a Thomas Kinkade book where he mentioned something that really grabbed my attention. Instead of spending any extra ‘fun money’ on material things, without exception he and his wife would use those funds for a fun outing or experience. Basically, they intentionally create memories for themselves and their children. I’ve been inspired to do the same thing.

Do we really need that extra pair of jeans? Must we absolutely have the newly released shoes, or the latest and greatest electronic equipment? If we really resolve to answer that question honestly, the answer is no. We can live without it, and in some cases, we can gain something by not having it all.

So, this year, we’ll be starting a new tradition - a family outing to the theater, a cottage, or even a road trip instead of money on gifts. Will the kids complain? Probably. Will it be more work to plan? Of course. But will it be worth more than a gift that sits unused one week after Christmas? I definitely think so.

As I get older, I realize the value of memories with family and friends. Those are the things that cannot be taken from you, cannot be broken, and cannot be destroyed. Memories cannot be foreclosed upon. Memories are the small, simple threads that tie our lives together. They are the foundations that are solidified and ready when the storms do come. Take the time to create some memories this week and be intentional about creating experiences and stories that will be told for generations.