Passing things down to the next generation is an age-old tradition...and, frankly, one that we Boomers generally have not made a priority.
From telling our kids stories of their birth (I was born at exactly 5:05 am, March 2, 1954...I know the exact times my sibs were born and the story surrounding each event, too...neat!) & important moments for you growing up, to tales of their ancestors (my Nana & Pop Pop were quite the partiers in the '20's...neat #2!), passing on family lore and precious things is, as Visa put it...priceless (or was that MasterCard...ah, but I digress...).
What do you want your kids to have that they'll enjoy keeping?
To get you started, here's some ideas I found for you...perfect for a box of small treasures to pass down that they'll love:
To get you started, here's some ideas I found for you...perfect for a box of small treasures to pass down that they'll love:
Your Favorite Music, on a Platform They Can Use
If you still have 8 tracks (really??) or better yet, cassettes or even CD's, transform your best of the best playlist to a digital platform so they can get their groove on just as you did...and think of you.
Your First Passport
Looking at all those country stamps from your trip bumming around Europe staying at youth hostels will remind them of what an adventurer you are. It also opens the door to telling, or retelling the stories.
If you still have 8 tracks (really??) or better yet, cassettes or even CD's, transform your best of the best playlist to a digital platform so they can get their groove on just as you did...and think of you.
Your First Passport
Looking at all those country stamps from your trip bumming around Europe staying at youth hostels will remind them of what an adventurer you are. It also opens the door to telling, or retelling the stories.
Military Discharge Papers
Aside from the very practical aspect that your children may one day need them to help get you services from the Department of Veteran Affairs, looking at old papers with old dates on them is infinitely cool. Not to mention nobody beats the VA when it comes to misplacing paperwork or not being able to find your records in their computer, so you might need them, too. One more important thing with this one: gets us talking about Vietnam, which must never be forgotten lest it be repeated.
A Printed & Framed Wedding Photo
Digital photography is fine, but there is just something importantly visceral about a printed photo. Don't worry if yours is showing its age; in the case of old photos, that's precisely the point. And, if you're divorced, that's OK...they still deserve a pic of Mom & Dad when it all began for them.
Something Belonging to the Oldest Relative They Knew
Make it small but personal. And although giving them something from a relative they knew at some point, if you can, something from a family member many generations ago might also be well received, particularly when accompanied by a terrific tale about that person.
Aside from the very practical aspect that your children may one day need them to help get you services from the Department of Veteran Affairs, looking at old papers with old dates on them is infinitely cool. Not to mention nobody beats the VA when it comes to misplacing paperwork or not being able to find your records in their computer, so you might need them, too. One more important thing with this one: gets us talking about Vietnam, which must never be forgotten lest it be repeated.
A Printed & Framed Wedding Photo
Digital photography is fine, but there is just something importantly visceral about a printed photo. Don't worry if yours is showing its age; in the case of old photos, that's precisely the point. And, if you're divorced, that's OK...they still deserve a pic of Mom & Dad when it all began for them.
Something Belonging to the Oldest Relative They Knew
Make it small but personal. And although giving them something from a relative they knew at some point, if you can, something from a family member many generations ago might also be well received, particularly when accompanied by a terrific tale about that person.
A Sentimental Piece of Jewelry
It may be the ring you got at your Sweet 16, or the watch you received from your dad when you graduated college. Its value lies in its sentiment, not just dollar signs. My brother continues to wear Daddy's watch even though it's not an expensive timepiece. Good jewelry might be great to hand down while you're still alive, so long as each child gets one and they're beyond the point of needing to sell it for rent money...
An Old Receipt With the Date On It
They will laugh every time they rediscover it. Yes, a quart of milk really cost just 50 cents in 1960. Gas was about 35 cents a gallon, if you really want a guaranteed belly chuckle. Also fun: hotel bills from old vacations.
Photo of the First Time You Held Them
While you probably have a zillion baby pictures, the first one is the keeper.
It may be the ring you got at your Sweet 16, or the watch you received from your dad when you graduated college. Its value lies in its sentiment, not just dollar signs. My brother continues to wear Daddy's watch even though it's not an expensive timepiece. Good jewelry might be great to hand down while you're still alive, so long as each child gets one and they're beyond the point of needing to sell it for rent money...
An Old Receipt With the Date On It
They will laugh every time they rediscover it. Yes, a quart of milk really cost just 50 cents in 1960. Gas was about 35 cents a gallon, if you really want a guaranteed belly chuckle. Also fun: hotel bills from old vacations.
Photo of the First Time You Held Them
While you probably have a zillion baby pictures, the first one is the keeper.
Things From Their Childhood
Not the ubiquitous Little League trophies, early art work or those hand prints in paint. Think report cards, especially if there are teachers’ comments on them, or their college letter of acceptance.
Tags Worn By Their Childhood Pet(s)
Our furry family members deserve to be remembered as well. Rusty’s name tag has a place in the remembrances box, along with a photo of him with the family.
You have been officially alerted....
Not the ubiquitous Little League trophies, early art work or those hand prints in paint. Think report cards, especially if there are teachers’ comments on them, or their college letter of acceptance.
Tags Worn By Their Childhood Pet(s)
Our furry family members deserve to be remembered as well. Rusty’s name tag has a place in the remembrances box, along with a photo of him with the family.
You have been officially alerted....
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