Give Memories Rather Than Gifts
For the past 6 years we have not given Christmas gifts to our nieces & nephews. Shocking, we know! Instead, we are investing in their lives, giving them first time experiences.
People ask, “Why did we make the switch? And why should you consider the same for the people you love?” Here is our rationale:
1) Presents come & go but memories last a lifetime.
2) Experiences give you quality 1 on 1 time with those you love.
3) Every kid needs an adult to talk to that is not their parent.
4) Seeing anyone experience something for the first time is never dull.
5) The giver gets to share in the fun & comes off looking like the cool, hip hero.
An “experience gift” can fit into any budget. It doesn’t have to be grandiose, just fun. Of course, extravagance isn’t forbidden. Just nail down your budget & do a little research.
This year we took our 3 nieces, 14, 12 & 9 to Chicago for their first overnight in the “big city” that we love. We wanted to expose them to something other than Grand Rapids suburban living. We wanted to take a taxi, visit a major museum, eat at a tasty restaurant & see things they’ve never seen before.
The Field Museum with it’s collection of Sue & other animals from around the world (our girls love all things animals) provided fun. The Adler Planetarium gave them an out of this world experience (considering two of them are studying the solar system right now). Grand Lux Café provided a great meal, along with a baked to order dessert & a fabulous view of Christmas lights on Michigan Ave.
We both stayed at the Palmer House Hilton right in downtown Chicago with our parents as kids, so this was a natural choice. A grand lobby with painted ceilings, escalators, lounge areas and a pool provided just the right setting. And we quote “Aunt Becky and Uncle Russell, this place sure is fancy.”
Prior to our arrival, we had emailed the hotel concierge detailing that this was their first stay, asking if they would be willing to provide a small thank you note or upgrade. They did not disappoint. Freshly baked cookies & original Palmer House Brownies arrived for breakfast (Brownies were invented here!)
