Photo by Jacqueline Jordan Russell
As the new year approaches, it’s nice to reflect on all the little moments that made this year special. Whether it’s big milestones and events, or funny things your kids said, it’s important to cherish those memories. If you want to be more intentional about celebrating special moments, try a new tradition and create a memory box!
Sit down with your family on New Year’s Day and write down a few wishes for the year ahead. Put them in your memory box (or jar) and then add special memories, photos or even tiny souvenirs to the collection all year long. Making a habit of this is a great way to find joy in everyday moments and practice intentional gratitude – even on difficult days.
Then on New Year’s Eve, read them all together and relive your favorite moments from the year.
To start your tradition, you’ll need a container to collect your memories. You can use a box and have the kids help decorate it, or keep things simple with a jar and tie a few ribbons around it to make it fun!
Keep your box or jar somewhere where you’ll see it every day. Place notecards with a pen nearby so that you can quickly jot down the memory, fold it up and slip it right into the container. Keeping the process simple and quick will help you keep up with it throughout the year. You could even make a point to write your notes at family dinners.
We write down the special events, birthdays, trips, and everyday memories as a family.
Beyond notes, you can add small items that remind you of special memories or events that take place. Try adding tiny photographs or keepsakes from special days out or family events. Jotting down any funny things the children say or do to look back on would be extra special too!
Anything could be included in your memory jar, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
›› A photo or souvenir from a special family day out
›› Shells from a beach trip
›› A baseball from a ball game
›› Ribbons the kids earn
›› Brochures from a place you visit together
›› Photographs of the family together
›› Funny things the kids have said
›› A letter to another family member
›› A quick note about a funny event on a scrap of paper
›› Special recipes that have memories attached to them
›› Special stickers the kids bring home from school
›› Tickets from an event
›› Something that really made you smile
›› A good deed someone has done
Include anything that makes you happy, makes you laugh or makes you reflect! There are no right or wrong things to add to your memory collection, so add whatever memories you want to treasure throughout the year.
Happy celebrating!