Christmas Wish Lists: Experiences & the Gift of Time

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Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by The Smetz Files

In this post I write about how we prioritize experience gifts for our kids.

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The last two years G has asked for a weekend at the beach, just the two of us on his Christmas wish list. Amongst all the things a pre teen boy asks for, this is an easy one to oblige.

We like to give experiences to the kids as part of their gifts each year. In the past they’ve gotten various sports camps or tickets to college sports events as part of their Christmas gift. Seeing them light up when they experience what’s possible is an indescribable joy. Investing in their interests has been a priority for us.

Last year when G asked for a weekend at the beach with just me I was a bit surprised, but beyond delighted. You can read about our winter weekend at the beach, but here’s why I like that he’s made this an annual trip.

Gift of Time

The old adage, the days are long, but the years are short, that many people apply to raising kids is painfully true. What G is really asking for when he puts a weekend at the beach with mom on his wish list, is the gift of time. He wants my undivided attention and truthfully, I want his.

Our kids are individuals and as the oldest, he’s often expected to be a leader and while that’s great and he fills the role well, I enjoy having 1:1 time to just listen to him. He’s a bit of an old soul. He’s a kind hearted kid with lots of ideas and facts he’s eager to share.

I’m trying to soak it up because as a preteen, I know my statute of limitations on being cool is coming to a swift end in the very near future. And with middle school looming next year, I desperately want to remember him as the innocent, inquisitive little guy of his childhood.

When it’s just the two of us at the beach, he’s my sole focus. He rides shotgun while I drive. He controls the playlist. We eat what he wants to eat. We play catch on the beach and walk to the pier. He quizzes me on various sports trivia and regales me with stats from his favorite players. It’s all about him and as the older brother, he tends to cater to his younger sister’s wants a lot. So, though simple, this is a nice vacation for him.

New Traditions

Recently I wrote about shopping small, and supporting local businesses. When we’re at the beach for our now annual mother/son weekend, G and I hop on our bikes and patron some of our favorite establishments on the island. It’s been a great way to unplug, indulge a slower pace, and explore local places.

When Jay and I bought the beach house, we intentionally thought about establishing new traditions and family memories with our kids. I love that G has made our mother/son weekend a yearly event for us to enjoy devoted time together.

I’ve thought a lot about intentionally spending time with our kids outside their various activities and family obligations. Like many families, we spend a lot of time rushing from one thing to the next. It’s been important for us to reflect on our quiet, unstructured time we have with our kids and enjoy being in the moment with them.

This year as you examine their wish lists, look for opportunities to infuse experiences and the gift of time with your kiddos.

Read more of my simple musings of a small town mom and let’s connect!