Confused about what to buy the little ones for Christmas? Tired of all the expensive toys that are soon forgotten and abandoned? It can be difficult to figure out the best gift, especially if you live far away from your loved ones.

That was our problem living overseas. We’re not a part of our grandchildren’s daily lives (the most difficult part of being a missionary) and so we felt clueless as to what to buy each one as the perfect gift.

Of course, we know that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). And our main focus during the holiday season should be on the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Yet, listening to Christmas jingles while watching the snowfall reminds me that our own gift giving is just around the corner.

Give Memories

There’s nothing to worry about anymore. We now give “memories”.

We try to see our grandkids at least once a year. During that time we take them somewhere special—Disneyland, the Animal Park, Apple Picking—depending on the budget.

 

 

We take lots of photos (ha ha—inside family joke) and after the event we have a scrapbooking day. We go to the craft store, find cute paper and stickers to match the theme and then we spend time together creating a special page for their memory books.

 

 

The Memory Book

The memory book is important. We didn’t want our grandkids to grow up thinking that grandma and Dyado never got them any gifts for Christmas. But, with their own memory book, how could they ever forget our special days?

 

 

Memories last a lifetime. So just last week we drove to Sofia (the capital city of Bulgaria), bought Christmas cards and mailed off our next planned memory making adventure. I’m so excited. Of course, I can’t tell you what the surprise will be, because I wouldn’t want them to peek by reading this post. Oh yeah, they can’t read yet, but their parents can. I hope the cards will reach them by Christmas.

 

 

Share Your Memory Gifts

Do you give “memories” to your family in place of gifts? If so, I’d love to hear about your family’s adventures. We’re always on the lookout for a good memory builder. I’m looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Merry Christmas to all.

P.S. Birthdays

For birthdays we give swimming lessons, another gift that lasts a lifetime, one that might even save a life. Oh my, I just thought of it, we need to do a swimming lesson scrapbook page. He might not have liked that first lesson, but he loves them now.