The 12 Days of Christmas: Day 6, The Gift of Memories

Here’s an idea for something even the youngest members of your family will enjoy making and receiving: their own collection of photo memories.  When my daughter was three years-old, I made a photo collage for her room.  I combined small photos of family members and close friends, a pic or two from recent vacations, and a few of her and put them in a store-bought collage frame.  Even though she was just a preschooler, she loved having her own collage of memories and the people she loved.

This is such an easy and inexpensive project and can take the form of a framed wall collage, a small photo book, a digital picture frame, and even a miniature version in an 8×10 or 5×7 frame.  I love the idea of preserving memories in a way that can be enjoyed every day.

image from shutterfly.com

For the past two years I’ve taken this idea and applied it to wall calendars using Shutterfly.  Sadly, I’m not a scrapbooking queen, but even I was able to make beautiful digital collages for each month of the year.  In addition to the photos, there is space on each calendar page for a few words.  I included favorite Bible verses one year, and this year, phrases from favorite worship songs.  To make this project easy for you, here are my collections of both.

January – December Bible verses

Children are a heritage from the Lord.   Psalm 127:3

Perfect love casteth out fear.   I John 4:18

This is the day the Lord has made!   Psalm 118:24

Rejoice in the Lord always!   Philippians 4:4

I know the plans I have for you.   Jeremiah 29:11

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.   Proverbs 3:5

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.   Jeremiah 17:7

Love is patient, Love is kind.   I Corinthians 13:4

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.   Psalm 128

We love because He first loved us.   I John 4:19

God is our refuge and strength.   Psalm 46:1

He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fathr, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

January – December phrases from worship songs

“He’s got our whole family in His hands!”

“The love of God, how rich and pure!  How measureless and strong!”

“I have decided to follow Jesus.”

“He came from heaven to earth to show the way.  From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.”

“Here I am to say that you’re my God.”

“Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing, power and majesty, praise to the King!”

“God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy.”

“Change my heart, O God!  Make it ever true.”

“In Christ alone, my hope is found.  He is my light, my strength, my song.”

“How great is our God!  Sing with me, how great is our God!”

“Give thanks with a grateful heart.  Give thanks to the Holy One.”

“He rules the world with Truth and Grace.”  (not a Bible verse, but from a darn good Christmas carol!)

Putting together photo memories is do-able on any budget, and the finished product is priceless.  Printing digital photos at home or through an online service like COSTCO or Walgreens has never been cheaper or easier. 

Give a gift of memories this year to bless someone all year long.

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