Preserving the Memories
My children don’t know about this family tradition yet, (Shhh! don't give away my secret!) but at each year on their birthdays I try to write them each a birthday letter.
To be honest, I may have missed a year depending on life’s happenings, and I may have written it a few days before or a few weeks after their actual calendar birthdate. I don’t actually give it to them when they are small, but keep it stored away with the other memorabilia I save for each of them from their childhood.
I have plans to give them these letters at a birthday in the future, perhaps when they are 15, or 20, or perhaps on the birthday of their first child. I have a feeling the “right time” may be as different for each child as they are different from each other.
The Birthday Letter
This is not just a “Happy Birthday, I love you!” note. It is a record of sorts of their year in retrospect, as well as my special thoughts and prayers for them. Here is a list of the types of the things I like to include:
- The date
- The theme or details of their party (if there was one)
- A memory from the day they were born
- A physical development event or victory from this year
- A spiritual event or victory from this year
- An accomplishment I am proud of them for
- A quality I admire in them
- Their favorite book or toy from this year
- A favorite photo of them from this year, or from their party
- Something I look forward to for them in the future
- Something I am praying for them
- My love for their father, my husband
- My love for them
Children will have good memories and painful ones. That is life and it is part of growing up. I want to give my children a resource that will help their maturing adult self-recall the good memories, the excitements of childhood, and the plan God has been forming for them since before they were born.
How do you treasure each passing year and preserve the memories with/for your children? Won’t you share what you do in the comments?
Read more of our traditions on our Family Traditions page.
Lou Ann Keiser says
Great idea! I haven’t exactly done this with my children, but sometimes, on their birthdays, I’ve written memories down and given them a long letter. Some people aren’t writers, and they will find this difficult to do. The important thing, of course, is to let your children know–especially at their birthdays–how very thankful we are for them and how unique and valuable they are to our family. Every child needs to know he is important. I love your idea about recording things like their favorite toys and those details year by year. Someday, they will value those letters! Terrific idea.
Katie Hornor says
Thanks Lou Ann. You are right. Some people aren’t writers. You could scrapbook, or make a short movie out of the year’s photos or any number of other things to preserve the memories. Your adult kids will appreciate any kind of effort to do that.
Phyllis says
We celebrate re-birth days. We were happy when you were born, but we were happier when you were re-born.
Katie Hornor says
That is a wonderful idea Phyllis! I love that you do that and I’d love to hear more. Do you have specific traditions you do each year?