My husband and I grew up in two very different homes 2,000 miles away from each other. Naturally, we’ve had to decide which traditions to keep and which to part with. We’ve also created some of our very own, unique traditions.
I love this time of year…the sights…the sounds… So much has changed since that time when I still believed in Santa. Technology has truly impacted us and our children in such a profound way. And while I love the 24 hour access to instant information, I hope that we haven’t lost some of the traditions that make this time of year so special.
I grew up with Hallmark. Before we had photo cards and e-cards, my mom and I would hand-pick each card that we’d send to loved ones. Hallmark, made famous for their greeting cards, has been helping people put their feelings into words and connecting them with loved ones for 100 years. Along with greeting cards, photo cards, and e-cards, their holiday selection includes Keepsake Ornaments and Recordable Storybooks.
Storytime is an important part of our son’s bedtime routine. I love the interaction we have as we talk about the story and the characters. Now that he’s in school a majority of the week, we don’t get as much time during the day to read. For those times, when he wants to read but I’m busy, it’s nice to have a book my son can listen to, particularly when the story features his mommy’s voice. Hallmark’s Recordable Storybooks are easy to use and can be personalized with any voice you choose. You simply record each page beforehand (I recommend a quiet place), “lock” the recording so it can’t be erased, and then give it to your child to listen to when he/she is ready. They’re perfect for those times when you or a loved one can’t be there to actually read your child a story. Hallmark’s Holiday Titles include Frosty the Snowman, The Very First Christmas, and The Night Before Christmas (retails for $29.95).
One of our other Christmas traditions involves decorating a tree. I have to admit that we haven’t gotten to the point where we display a live tree (it’s a bit difficult with two little ones), but I’m hoping in the next few years that also becomes part of our tradition. This year, Hallmark offers more than 300 unique ornaments. Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornament, such as A World of Joy which features children in a hot air balloon and the word ‘joy’ in six languages, benefits UNICEF. The Wonder of Christmas is the fifth in their Holiday Angel series. If you’ve ever seen a Hallmark ornament, you’ll notice how intricately it’s designed.
Be sure to visit Hallmark for more inspiration on memory making this holiday season.
No compensation was received for this post. Product samples provided.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
These are great. My dad, who lives in another state, recorded The Night Before Christmas for my daughter. She loves it. And he was even able to include a short “I love you” at the end. Merry Christmas!
How fun! I adore gifts that can be personalized! I hope you had a happy new year!