The weeks leading up to Christmas have served as a reminder to me that the simple measures in life truly carry more weight than any material possessions. The real treasures are found within the people and memories you make, especially those days leading up to the holidays.
This year, Jason and I made an effort to focus on getting our children experiences more than possessions so much. Granted, they have a few toys and other gadgets under the Christmas tree. But we also decided to opt for trips, family outings and other activities that we could do together as a family.
It is a practice we started a couple of years ago, and it has paid off more than any toy or latest trend. Our family has camped in the desert under a quiet night with stars above a west Texas sky. We have floated down waterways with giant cypress trees above us. We have walked in the same footsteps as some of our country’s forefathers in wooded hills and primitive townsites. And we have gathered around many campfires with nothing but our thoughts and conversations.
We have a slate of adventures planned over the next several months, and those gifts are the ones that continue to give throughout the remainder of the year.
One day, our children will move out into the real world on their own. Our oldest son is only five years away from leaving for college.
And I hope that they will always remember those adventures we had as a family. When those toys are packed away in storage, the memories we made will still be ever present in their minds.
Moments are worth more than materials. And life is more fun together.
