Sherri writes: "A handmade Christmas sounds good to me and to my little ones but what about the big kids who don't want a hand knitted sweater or a homemade wooden train?"
That is a great question and one that I have been chewing on for the past few weeks. My oldest is eleven, still very much a child but not as interested in toys or clothes these days. I didn't know what I could make for him to open on Christmas Day.
I decided that this year, I would give him a Gift of Time.
Here's how it works: Rather than something store bought, I will wrap up movie, concert, or musical tickets, a travel brochure or some other invitation to a place he'd enjoy and make a date of it. I know my children
PINE for time alone with Mom or Dad.
Some Gift of Time ideas (all to be attended with the parent):
- Theatre tickets
- Orchestra tickets
- Sporting event tickets
- Menu to their favorite restaurant
- Day trip (include a map or brochure in the gift box)
- Ice cream shop coupons
- Overnight at a hotel with a pool
- Special museum exhibit
- Outdoor activity (sledding, beach, hiking, sailing, etc.)
When Christopher was a preschooler, he was interested in trains. My mother wrapped up two train tickets and a conductor's hat for Christmas. Two weeks later, they spent the afternoon riding the rails together. He had a grand time and still remembers it today. Had she spent that money on a toy, DVD or video game, it would have been long forgotten. The memories surrounding her Gift of Time are longer lasting and more meaningful.
We know of a couple who no longer buy their kids presents now that they are teenagers but take a weekend ski trip together as a family every winter instead. They have been doing this for the past few years and their children look forward to spending time together in lieu of gifts.
A Gift of Time can be as expensive or inexpensive as you'd like. Think about what makes each of your children happy. Each and every child is different. Would yours enjoy an afternoon matinee and lunch with Mom? How about a hockey game, dinner and sledding with Dad? Take some time to make the idea come alive on paper by adding a letter in the box or gift bag along with your tickets, menu or other item.
For example:
"Dear Benjamin,
This year for Christmas you and I are going on a get away together for an entire afternoon, just the two of us! First, I'd like to take you out to lunch at Bo Loong for Dim Sum. I know how you LOVE their pineapple buns! Then, let's take a trip over to the science museum and catch the newest Imax movie. Afterwards, if you're not too tired :), let's head to the square for some ice skating . I am looking so forward to spending the entire afternoon with you!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mom"
If you have babies or toddlers who need to be with mom, perhaps they can come along in a sling or you can get out for a bit while they are napping. Or, stay home and make your own fun once they have gone to sleep for the night!
One of my children's favorite things to do is to be able to stay up "way late", after all their siblings are in bed. We make popcorn, perhaps watch a movie or put on a fire and play board games, just the two of us. Then we camp out on the floor in sleeping bags. You don't have to spend a lot of money to share time together or make memories.
Big kids need our time more than they need more things. Spending time together, just parent and child, will make lifelong memories and will strengthen our relationships with our children.
