Raising A Family

One year we forgot about the gifts and Santa gave our kids a trip to Disneyland. We woke up Christmas morning to find a big box wrapped in paper. Inside was an itinerary with all the details for our vacation. The bags were packed and put into the van. We got dressed quickly and headed for the airport. Our entire family had a blast, and I think it will always be right up there on the top of the best Christmas ever list.

I’m not suggesting that every year we need to spend a ton of money and take a vacation, but sometimes the gift of experience can be more memorable then a toy that might collect dust after a few years. Spending quality time with our kids and creating positive memories can be some of the best things we can do for them. Here are some experiences you may consider giving this season.

• A family trip (even if it’s just overnight)
• Tickets to a play or special event
• Tickets to the theater
• A season pass to the local zoo or museum
• Enroll your child in a sport they have been interested in.
• Pay for music or dance lessons
• If the situation permits, send them to see a close friend or relative they don’t get the chance to see very often.
• Tickets to a sporting event
• Concert tickets

I’m sure it will be money well spent, and you’ll create memories to last forever.