by Jen Shragge 
By Jen Shragge
I am certain my family thinks I’m crazy. This is likely for a number of reasons, but the main reason around the holiday season is that I turn into the Grinch. Don’t get me wrong: I am a Jewish gal who loves Christmas. I love the lights and the songs and the cookies and the whole nine yards. I also love Hanukkah. The chocolate gelt (coins), the potato latkes and singing the prayers over the candles with my big kid every year. What I don’t love it the stuff. My kids already have so much stuff. Everybody wants to get them more stuff. We don’t need stuff.
What my kids do need is experiences! If you want to give my child a present I think you are a wonderful person. I really and truly do. But what they could really use is lessons. Sports lessons are great. Music lessons are equally fantastic. Even a lesson they haven’t tried before would be welcome at this house! A week at summer camp is also a big hit around here. Just let me know and I will make your life easy and steer you in the right direction. What else do they need? Your time and attention. Please take my big kid to a musical or a show or even a movie. He would love that and talk about it for weeks afterwards. My big kid also loves mini golf and bowling and LEGOland. Take him sledding and for a hot chocolate afterwards. The possibilities are endless. The baby isn’t exactly the most enjoyable theatre companion at the moment, but I don’t mind things that she could use in the future. Or, there are some great facilities in our area that have drop in play time and classes that require a membership so that would be a fantastic idea. Our city also has a world class zoo and amazing museums. They also have family memberships. Hint hint!
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I also want my children to have a stress-free education. A financial contribution to their RRSP is always appreciated and we will ensure is well used.
But you REALLY want to get them something. Something they can unwrap. Sigh. Okay. Books. We love books and even though I’m sure paper books will soon be a thing of the past I am a sucker for a good book. If you must wrap a gift, let’s aim for reading material.
Dr. Seuss said it best, “It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”
Happy Holidays!
11 Comments on “Experiential Christmas/Holidays Gifts”
Great post, yes lessons are good, and so are experiences. I wish I would have done more of this and less of just gifts.
I love a gift that gives all year,happy holidays to you and yours.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Looking at my grandkids I can say that most of them have way too many toys. One of my granddaughters I was shocked to see even has some of her dolls (that she just had to have) still in their boxes because she doesn’t like them as much! I don’t agree with giving money, but books are always good, as is spending time with them, taking them out for a treat or a show.
Very well said! It’s more important for them to experience and create memories than it is about materialistic goods.
Loove the excitment in thats childs eyes
I agree, kids get too much stuff these days and that experiences, memories allow kids to grow and people. I also get my kids experiences, or immerse them in a tradition or situation. I also request that people give them money (it also goes into their education fund) or spend time with them via an activity.
I did enjoy reading this. It is of course after Christmas, but I will think more about experiential gifts for children and adults in 2016.
I guess its pretty much the same with all kids,they honestly have way to many of lots of things,money in their future is so much more impportant
I also love creating memories
Love the idea of giving my kids experiences as opposed to gifts at Christmas time.
Experiential Christmas takes the traditional holiday festivities to new heights, infusing the season with a captivating blend of enchantment and personal engagement. In this unique celebration, the joy of giving and receiving is intertwined with immersive encounters that awaken the senses. Amidst the shimmering lights and joyful carols, individuals are invited to partake in diverse hands-on activities that range from crafting heartfelt gifts to participating in winter wonderland adventures. As the spirit of the season permeates the air, families, and friends gather to share not only material presents but also the intangible gift of memorable moments. Amidst this tapestry of experiential delights, one might even encounter the unexpected – a talented illusionist who masterfully weaves usa magic tricks into the festivities, leaving everyone spellbound with a touch of wonder and mystery. Experiential Christmas offers a new dimension to the traditional holiday, inviting us to create lasting memories infused with the magic of shared experiences.