Family memories are the sweetest and it’s what I’m overwhelmingly thankful for. From the first moment we brought our oldest son home from the hospital to this morning at the breakfast table – I love the moments our family creates and turns into lasting treasures that we can turn back to when times get tough. Below are five great ways to create warm memories that will last a family lifetime.
Introduce Them to Memories from Your Childhood I loved learning what my mom’s family did when she was a child and looking at the old photographs of how they celebrated their holidays together. Seeing the pictures of my mom with her own mom and grandmother made me appreciate all our quality times together and I want my children to see that when we spend time at the dinner table together – it’s similar to how I spent time with my parents and grandparents. Showing them photographs and sharing recipes from our childhood helps the next generation see how things used to be done, and makes them appreciate how it’s being done now.
Try Something New (for all of you) Our family has never gone ice skating before and it’s a new activity for everyone. Sometimes doing something new that we get to enjoy for the first time together makes the memory even stronger for everyone. It’s not, “Remember when I did this the first time?” Instead, we say, “Remember when we all tried that?” Warm memories for everyone involved!
Do the Once-in-a-Lifetime Destination Trip The summer before we got married, my husband and I did a dream trip and traveled to Ireland with both of our families. My side was celebrating my aunt’s 50th birthday and his side was celebrating his uncle’s 60th birthday – we couldn’t pass the opportunity. We had such a fantastic time and for each of the people involved in the celebrations – we look back so fondly on the memories we created from that family trip. The teenagers who sat together at breakfast in the guest houses and the preschooler coloring with crayons at a fancy dinner all remember how much fun the adults had and the enjoyment we gained from the shared experiences with multiple generations.
Create Keepsakes Making ornaments and baking cookies can be fun, but don’t forget the smaller, less structured keepsakes. Make a rock garden in your yard with decorated rocks and stones from walks you take. Gather shells or sea glass when you visit the beach with your loved ones. Save pine cones from your nature hikes and put them together in a jar on a shelf in your living room. Take pictures of the artwork being brought home from your child’s activities and put them together in a photo book. Create shadowboxes of their Lego projects and display them in your home. Working together on projects that you enjoy will help keep the memories strong and hopefully encourage you to repeat the projects as the years go by.
Stick to the Traditions that Work Every family is different and we should not feel pressure to do what works for others. Find what works for YOU. We all know families who seem able to cram every bit of holiday out of every season – but that doesn’t work for everyone. In my family, we need to carefully choose what events we attend because we run out of energy. Seeing a great light show means nothing if two children sleep through the entire show. Does your little one want to be in the holiday pageant at school but your older one wants to do caroling in the community? Find what works for all of you and stick to that one memory-making move which your family can repeat year after year.
I am thankful for the love, support, and experiences that my family has given me. These memories remind me to appreciate the present and cherish the moments we have together, for they are the building blocks of a fulfilling life.
Happy family memories are a treasure trove of love, learning, and laughter. From the domestic and international places we travel and visit, to the moments we spend at home, they are the moments that define us, shape our relationships, and remind us of the beauty of family. I am deeply thankful for these memories and the joy they bring to my life. As I continue to create new memories with my family, I hold these moments close, knowing that they are the essence of what makes life truly meaningful.
Family memories are the fabric of our lives, weaving together the experiences and emotions that define us. Those moments I mentioned above are some of the reasons why I cherish these happy family memories so deeply.
We at Moms Pump Here encourage you to make the moments special with your families. Time goes fast and our babies grow up quickly. Happy Travels and Memories To You All!
