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One of the ways we changed our Christmas this year was that we decided to give experiences rather than things. Each child got at least one set of tickets to an event that they would like in the area. Last night we went to see “The Wizard of Oz” touring company production. My son was in the show in November so this was one of his Christmas presents. He is required for his music program to attend at least one live music performance per semester so this was a perfect gift for him. The show was much better than we thought it would be. Dorothy and Toto were amazing. The dog got the loudest applause of the evening. In a month or so we will take my daughter to see “Riverdance.”
We also started planning our trips for 2018 with them. We never really considered these “presents” but this year we are. My son is going to England with his orchestra for ten days. We are responsible for paying the $3,000 for the trip so we are making this one of his gifts for the year. My daughter and I are planning a Mother-Daughter trip to Walt Disney World for her last trip as a “child.” She will turn 18 this year and graduate from high school in June. We are also planning a few smaller trips this year too. But, we are including them and letting them know that this is part of their Christmas presents.
We love spreading Christmas out this way. Each time we go to an event we say “Merry Christmas!” Yes, they still got some books, jammies, movies, and games but it is the experiences of the year not the stuff at the end that is the real present.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
What a great idea and you can celebrate throughput the year making memories
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Yes, the Christmas spirit is not gone in one day!
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Love this! This year for Christmas I got my husband tickets to his favorite sporting event, we go to it next week! We are so excited to get this experience
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How very cool! I hope you have a wonderful time!
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This is our first time doing this in our 5 years together. Thank you, we will!
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Disney sounds fabulous! Have a great time
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Thank you! I am so excited to go with my daughter that I keep looking at our plans every day.
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That is a wonderful idea, Marci. A lot of treasured experiences to have.
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And I love that they don’t have to be huge things. Local shows are inexpensive and the kids love them too!
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That is great and you have some wonderful experiences to look forward to this year!
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This is the way to go. My husband Charley started the same tradition now that his grandkids are old enough. He took the six-year old to Mystic Seaport for the day; the seven year-old to the new Star Wars movie;and the five-year old to Disney on Ice – Frozen. He had a blast and they loved having Grandpa to themselves for a whole day.
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I wish my parents were in better health to do this with my children. What memories they are making!
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Oops! I forgot to say that I took three of my little buddies to see the movie Ferdinand. Such a lovely tradition. Let’s keep passing the word on.
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I think you are on to such a great idea – because these experiences are often shared, it multiplies the joy!
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Thank you! We are having fun together!
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I think this is a great idea, Marci. I took my boys to Riverdance and they loved it.
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As the kids have gotten older it is easier to involve them too. My daughter was totally surprised by the Riverdance tickets though.
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This sounds like a great idea. I always see people saying this, but I’ve never seen it as a gift-concept idea.
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I started it when my kids were small with my patents because they would only see them a few times a year and rather than sending them things that they didn’t need or would break quickly and be forgotten I wanted them to make the time they were with them memorable by doing something together. It could be a beach day, or building a book shelf with papa. Now I have moved on to us. We all love it.
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Oh, I so agree with and love this idea. After all, life really is about experiences. Hope 2018 is wonderful for you all.
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Thank you! Same to you and yours!
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Aw what a great idea. They will have the best memories.
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Thank you! That is what I always hope for, great memories.
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Wonderful gifts that never end
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