Creating a Scrapbook of Christmas Letters

Along with jotting memories in a journal, you can incorporate this into a scrapbook with photos of memorable times and experiences. You also can add sketches to your journal and scrapbook pages.

One way I’m trying to keep a record of yearly memories is by building a scrapbook around the annual Christmas letters I write to friends and family. Some people add photos to these letters (so much easier in these days of digital cameras and computers).

This Christmas letter gives a recap of the year gone by and you can add to it as you have time. I also like to keep the letters and photos sent to me by family members and include them in the scrapbook.

(c)2005

(If you have questions or stories to share, e-mail me: me.allen@juno.com. Type"writing blog" in the subject line.)

Keeping a "Mom" Journal

All of us have good intentions of keeping a journal about the joys and challenges of raising our children. With the first child, we often begin a baby book, then with more children, or as the years go by, we do less and less.

The same happens with a journal. I began writing about our daughter in detail, then found that life became busy, and my writing often tapered off. I got caught up in a quiltmaking business, writing assignments, helping my husband with his business, caring for ailing parents.

However, I did squeeze in some writing time…jottings in notebooks, letters to my mom (which she thankfully saved), and mention in my newspaper columns or travel articles. As I look back, I’m so glad I did find time to write something down.

So, don’t be discouraged if you haven’t time for daily journaling. Simply write whenever you can. You’ll be glad you did. It’s such fun to read about Beth’s younger years and reminisce with her children. Also, I’ve tried to do the same with my grandchildren.

©2005