As I’m writing this, it’s Black Friday and social media is filled with all things consumerism, right? I’m not going to be one of those Debbie Downers, because hellooooo, if you’ve been around awhile, you know I absolutely love gifting. I love finding quality toys for my children that will be used and played with for years to come. I love finding the perfect little something for people hosting gatherings and all my family members, too. So this isn’t me saying we don’t need to buy anything. Gifting is one of my love languages and I love sharing it with others.

But, it IS me saying let’s find ways to share the joy of the holidays with our kids without the focus being on things.

My favorite way to think about crafting a special time for our kids is to think about the 5 senses. It’s that easy!

TOUCH | HEARING | SIGHT | SMELL | TASTE

Engaging in the five senses brings awareness to our body and minds that, in turn, create memories that are tucked deep inside we come back to over and over again. Most of us and remember how things around the holidays felt. How the music box sounded, how Grandma’s potatoes tasted, and the smell of the food, candles, pine…whatever it may be.

So around the holidays especially, but this practice works year-round, I love to give my children experiences that allow them to flow through the 5 senses so build those core memories that make up our complex and joy-filled lives. Making a scented play dough together, having a dance party listening to holiday music, listening to Daddy play the guitar, making cookies in our matching aprons, reading books by candle light.

I’m the first to admit I don’t have time to plan big, extravagant things. Over here, the more simple the better because it’s do-able and allows me to find rest in contentment.

And if you want to step up that memory making a notch, add in the act of photographing the experience. With a phone, disposable camera, whatever. I think you’ll find how the act of taking the photos embeds that memory deeper than even the photo itself in the present moment.