So in the last post, it was all about tis the season to learn to not stress.....Make family your greatest present, and the feedback says we get it.
I was having my late coffee night with my best friend Rex, last night, it was Monday after all. Not sure I thought that one through completely as I woke up to pounding being done in my pool room. Perhaps I should remember when my husband says they are coming to replace the felt on the table that this would mean not to go to bed really late in the future, oh well live and learn.
While sitting talking about everything and anything like we do on our coffee nights the topic of presents, saving some money and giving the kids what they will care about came up.
I thought back to when I was growing up, I took a moment and thought about what would have meant the most to me, and the truth is it would have been that my parents took time to notice me. Took the time to know me enough that their present would show me they know my good things and my not so good.
When I was growing up I would make coupon books for my parents. Coupons that they could use to get me to do things I would normally complain about without any issues. I did it because I couldn't afford to buy them anything and I wanted them to have something.
It hit me, what a great idea!
A coupon book that shows the kids you pay attention.
Here are some of the ideas I came up with....
Remember to think back to when you were a kid, what kind of things would you want to get for free?
1) Get out of shit. This entitles ______________________ to use this coupon right before Mom or Dad are going to start yelling and screaming. You will get out of trouble without punishment on certain conditions. You not break the law, do not break _________ (used your prize position.)
2) Mom or Dad will do your chores for the day. ( Needs to be a day off as mom and dad might be a little busy paying the mortgage,)
3) Skip school for the day. (we need days off work and if you say that you have never in your life called in sick when you weren't, I might have to call bull)
4) kick dads ass at video games all day. ( let them show us what they can do)
5) sleep in as late as I want card. Must be presented the night before, only to be used during holidays or weekend. Can go with with skip school day.
6) Teach dad to skateboard.
7) Mom does the homework for one subject for one day.
8) get the day with the parents. if the parents have plans the kids can use this coupon to make you cancel your plans and spend the day with them watching movies.
9) family game night with McDonald's.
10) trade roles for the day. You are the parent and I am the kid.... (think about how much fun they would have with this one... It is one day.....)
I could keep going here but the fun is making it to suit your kids, or your spouse....You can even laminate them and make them trading cards if you have more than one kid.... wrap it up in a box and your kids will love it....The great part is so will you, because when they use the coupons, you will know what they need. It will give you a chance to turn things into a team family.
Get creative, show the ones you love that giving the gift of you is way better than what you could buy.....
Have some fun this Christmas and show the family you love them........
I will post some picks of my trading cards as I make them...
Kjarlune
