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Do you have a pile of greeting cards that you’ve received for various occasions squirreled away that you just can’t bring yourself to toss out? I know I can’t be the only one… (My hubby claims I’m secretly a hoarder.) Well, this particular journal idea makes for a fun tradition, and an amazing keepsake that you will treasure for years to come. It’s also infinitely better than storing a stack of cards. So, I present to you: the special occasion journal. (Ta-da!) I actually use mine specifically for Mother’s Day, but it can be for any and all holidays or memorable moments you like. (We also have one for Father’s Day.)
The gist is super simple. All you need is a journal with blank pages (like a fancy sketchbook). Then, for every occasion that you would normally receive a card, ask the giver to write a note (and even include some artwork, if they’re so inclined) in your designated journal instead. Other things you might like in your journal are photos, hand prints of your kiddo, drawings, paintings, stickers, stamps, etc. It’s a bit like an art or junk journal, but created for you in honor of whatever the occasion might be. Though a word to the wise, always make sure to date the page (or “card”) and note who created it and why, if it isn’t obvious in the entry.
Now granted, not everyone is likely to be keen on participating. (I can just picture the look of bewilderment on my hubby’s face if I presented him with this suggestion.) And sometimes family and friends live far away. These reasons are precisely why mine is only full of my daughter’s creations. However, I can tell you that it’s really sweet to look back on all of the pages through the years; especially to see how Olivia went from colorful scribbles to rather impressive artwork. I can only imagine how cool a collection of these “cards” would be for all occasions, and from all my loved ones.
I hope you find this idea fun and give it a try!
Other articles you might enjoy…
- Mother’s Day Booklet & Printables
- Button Bouquet
- Raising Teens and Tweens with Open Hearts and Open Communication
🙂
