Do You Want a Simple Gift Idea for Christmas 2016

Why do my three children say that this rather plain red binder was one of their best Christmas presents ever?  Before you pack Christmas away, you might want to find out.

 
For me, it started with a project of consolidating several boxes of Christmas items.  One box was full of Christmas cards and letters.  While organizing it, I realized that it was full of Christmas letters that I had sent out since 1986.   This box had at least one copy of every letter and one photo for each year up until 2014

Yes, I know.  Regarding Christmas letters, people either love them or well…don’t.  I am on the “love” team.  In 1986, we were sending out over 100 Christmas cards and letters.  I just couldn’t write an individual letter to each person, so yes, that year, I started writing one Christmas letter to everyone. Upon opening the box,  I couldn’t help but read them.  Some news was funny, or embarrassing and even sad.  The letters recorded details of births, deaths, marriages, vacations, dance lessons and house projects…life in general.

Then the gift idea came!  It was simple!

 

First, I put the letters and photos in date order.  I only kept four copies of each, even if I found more.

Second, I bought four matching three ring binders and plenty of archival top loading sheet protectors.

 

Third, for those photos or letters I did not have four of, I made color copies of one I had.

Fourth, for each year, I inserted the letter with the photo behind it.  My letters are dated, so that was easy.

Fifth, on the first page of the binder I wrote a note, like a book preface, regarding these letters being mini-diaries of almost 20 years and I hope they enjoy reading the story of our lives.

On Christmas morning, my children, who have their own children, said that this was one of my best gifts ever. Really!  Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best.

I made one for each of my three children, and a fourth for myself. This year, I added our Christmas letter and photo to my binder and plan to continue to for many years.  In addition, I add the cards and/or photos that my children send me.

Do you have copies of your Christmas letters?  If you do, please consider giving them as a gift to your children.  Believe me, they’ll appreciate it.