I’ve been reading about the efforts some parents go to in seeking to create special Christmas memories for their children. It’s a nice idea, isn’t it?

It reminds me of buying presents for our children, and the way these are received. One year, a little boy enjoyed the tube the wrapping paper came on as much as, or even more than the present that had been so elaborately wrapped.

Did you ever hear about the mother who ran a you beaut party for her ten year old daughter’s birthday, and the morning of the party, took her to buy some goodies for the afternoon’s festivities. Twenty years later, her daughter cannot remember anything about the party, though she does recall the adventure of shopping for it and having Mum all to herself in that last minute expedition.

And I love the story my tax agent’s wife told me. Her grown up children say that what they treasure about their childhood is those special times walking in the rain together.

Mrs McBryde says that the special times happened because when the kids were whingeing loudly, cooped up together in their small house because it was raining outside, exasperated, she would finally say:

Come on! Let’s put on our raincoats. We’re going for a walk!

Have you created any special memories for your children or grandchildren? Intentionally or serendipitously?