Creating Your Hanukah or Christmas Scrapbook
We hear the phrase “Christmas season” beginning on October 1st, however when it comes to scrapbooking I often see photos from just one day of Christmas or all 8 days of Hanukah.
This year, create your album for the whole season. What does this mean? When do you start shopping and planning? My kids have always created a wish list for my mom and dad. Make a copy of these wish lists and add them to your scrapbook.
Once you start your shopping, take photos of the bags and bags of goodies you’ve purchased. There have been years where I have looked in my trunk and laughed at how many bags I have inside. Some years I have bought gifts for teachers, for co-workers, for my family, and for the many gift exchanges in which I participate.
I have always wrapped my presents during the day when the kids are at school or at night when they are asleep. Take some photos of the wrapped gifts.
Most years my kids and I bake. We bake for classmates, for co-workers, for those who have provided us with wonderful service over the years, and for the many parties we seem to attend during the “holiday season.” Take photos of your baking process. Consider including some of your baking recipes in the scrapbook. Copy the recipes on acid-free paper.
Do you have some kind of dinner at your house? Again, take some photos of the grocery list, the preparations, and again consider adding some of your dinner recipes.
Do you put decorations in your house? I have seen absolutely beautiful homes, both for Christmas and Hanukah over the years. Take photos of your house with no guests in it. Then take photos again when the house is full of people, noise, and good food.
Opening gifts is a highlight for children. In addition to taking photos of everyone opening their presents, save some of the wrapping paper for your scrapbook. Save just a little, as it will yellow.
If you receive cards from family and friends, consider laminating them and adding them to your scrapbook. If the card itself is not acid free, it will yellow and crack over time, so I suggest laminating it.
This year, when you consider your holiday scrapbook, consider the entire season, not just one or eight days.