"My Gift" and "A New Generation" by Amanda
Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 5:00AM My turn. :)
I don't know about you, but this challenge really hits home for me. I'm one of those people who loves to shop for Christmas. I do it pretty much year round. Love giving things and finding the perfect gifts. So, suddenly not having one of the main people on my gift list was hard. I still catch myself seeing something and thinking "oh, dad would love that" and then realizing there's no need to buy it. This first layout, then, is one I did about the first Christmas after my dad died:
;)
In a nutshell, I was trying to find a giving tree situation for men...someplace where I could buy things I'd otherwise buy my dad...because that seemed like a good "solution" to the void I felt. As it turned out, though, we ended up doing a giving tree for kids as part of our homeschool group service project (the pictures are of my boys each selecting a name). Still. The act of giving with my dad in mind made me feel better and is something I continue to try to do each Christmas.
In fact, my boys and I started a new tradition this year. We bought a 36 pack box of 3 Musketeers candy bars. We've then bundled each one with a candy cane and a little note and have been handing them out randomly to people we encounter during this holiday season (the cashier at lunch, the staff at the mailing services place, the gal at the dairy, etc.). The note says:
Happy holidays to you!
In memory of my dad (whose favorite candy bar was 3 Musketeers) and in honor of the season, please enjoy this and have a lovely day!
We've really been enjoying the responses we've gotten, and I love that every time we do it my boys know that I'm thinking of their papa...and they are, too.
My second layout is one I just finished. The journaling pretty much says it all (and I think you can read it directly on the layout...btw, you can click on the layout to make it a little bit larger).
;)
This one was one of those that I just knew had to be recorded...knew it as soon as I popped in that Dylan Christmas CD the first time. :) Um, if you haven't heard it, might I recommend getting your own copy? ;)
Reader Comments (3)
The 3 Musketeers ideas is amazing, Amanda! I love it! I'd like to do something like this, even for Valentine's Day. :)
I LOVE the 3 Muskateers idea ... what a gift, not only to the recipients, but to the boys (and you)! Beautiful, heartfelt LOs, as always!!
What a special tradition, Amanda! I love that.