To the Editor:

As the holidays approach and we dash around frantically buying gifts for everyone, consider buying a family journal. Between Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year, congregate as a family and have each member no matter how old or young contribute something to share in the journal.

Maybe Tommy wants to remember his first fishing trip with Grandpa in the spring, Carol might want to reflect upon her first prom while Mom might share how she felt when she experienced something unique for the first time, and let Dad join in with his special 2013 memory.

Have fun: Appoint a secretary, have an illustrator. Put the journal in a safe place and revisit its contents and add new memories on a yearly basis.

You won’t regret it! It’s a special way for the entire family to bond and record memories to last a lifetime.

If Grandma or Grandpa live nearby, have them join in. If they live far away, give them a call and have them contribute. You might want to include New Year’s resolutions and then have the opportunity to evaluate how successful you and everyone else was the following year.

The journal will become a family keepsake; it only takes a little time, once a year.

P.S. Make sure all cell phones and other electronic devices are shut off  before and during participation in this activity.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Bernadene Marie

Guilderland