There are some things that do not change from generation to generation. These are the things that fond memories are made from. There are also the things that we want to do differently than our parents did with us. The things that we want to do differently probably are those that have created hurtful memories for us. We all had good and bad experiences in childhood, the key is to be able to move on from our past and create happier memories for our adult years.

One of the experiences that may have caused either good or bad memories is the toys for Christmas that we received. For me I have both kinds of memories that I think about when I reminisce about the toys for Christmas I received over the years. When I was seven years old I wanted a Barbie doll. The dolls had come on to the market the same year that I was born and my name is Barb. When I was younger everyone called me Barbie. So many of my friends owned Barbie dolls and I thought I should have one. My parents did not have much money so my mother did a great deal of shopping in discount stores. She was the queen of off brand merchandise. That year for Christmas when I opened my present I found that I did receive a doll. It was the same size as a Barbie doll, however it was a Vivian doll. This was the cheaper off brand version. The Barbie doll clothes fit the doll. The difference was that the Vivian doll did not have the same feet so the high heeled Barbie doll shoes did not fit. Also the face looked different. I was very disappointed with the doll. I did not think that the couple of dollars that mom saved was worth it. I do not remember any other toys for Christmas from that year.

I think my mother realized from that experience that cheaper is not always better. I never did enjoy playing with that doll. From that time on it seemed that we received brand name items for our toys for Christmas. Now that I am a parent I make sure that my children have fond memories of the holidays. They do not get everything that they put on their lists because moderation is a lesson I want them to learn, but the things that they do receive are high quality and specifically what they ask for. I am sure there are things that they will do differently when they parent their children, but hopefully the hurtful memories they have from childhood will be few.

Shopping at the last minute can not only rob you of your energy and Christmas spirit, but it can zap your bank account in the process.  If these are two Christmas holiday traditions you’d like to learn to live without, there’s good news. With some creative thought and planning, you can give thoughtful gifts that will not only be appreciated by your recipients.  It won’t empty your wallet the same time.

The greatest gift you have that you can give anyone is the gift of your time.  With that in mind, the first thing you should do is talk with your friends and family and reach a mutual agreement not to exchange gifts.  When you don’t have to worry about what to run out and get for one another, you can focus on spending quality time together, which is a big part of what the holiday season is all about.

For those that are on your gift list, think about what you can do to help them, such as a service you can provide to make their life a little simpler.  You can print coupons out for everything from free babysitting for a family member or friend with a new baby, lawn mowing services for an elderly neighbor, or errand running for a homebound person.  Keep each person in mind when you do this and take special care to make sure you’re not stepping on any toes and that your service won’t be seen as an intrusion or inconvenience.

For the smaller children on your list, consider making a gift for them.  Children love stories, so why not write a story about that child for them?  You can either type it up and illustrate it using your computer, or write it in big block letters and illustrate it with pictures you’ve clipped out or drawn yourself.  You can also make things such as modeling clay or bubble blowing liquid.  Check your local library or internet for more great ideas for children.  The best part of these gifts is the time you spend with the youngster playing with the clay or reading the story time and again.

And though it may seem a bit more difficult to think of a gift for older children and teenagers, they also cherish the gift of your time.  If you have a special skill, such as cooking, baking or painting, why not take the time to pass it along.  Purchase a canvas and some paints and show your favorite young person how to paint landscapes or pass along a favorite family recipe by teaching him or her how to prepare it.

Consider donating some of your time to places that really need additional hands around the holidays.  Your local soup kitchen, homeless shelter or neighborhood nursing home might need someone to help serve food and clean, or just simply to spend time with their residents.  Your time and help will be greatly appreciated by the staff and the people they serve.

The holidays shouldn’t be a time of stress and worry over how much money you’ve spent on gifts, but about togetherness and generosity.  Giving the gift of your time is probably the most generous gift any of us have to give, and the one that most people are most appreciative of and enjoy receiving.