Our chat in the kitchen
Let’s bring joy…
Sometimes with teens, it’s difficult to get something going that will interest them, keep them motivated. With December right around the corner, I wanted to create something that would be fun and meaningful for them. I had an idea when I purchased this blank advent calendar to decorate. I used stickers that were made from the pictures of our own guinea pigs to represent each of our family members. Maisel is number 1. I named her after the show I loved so much Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Because of this, Maisel’s squares would be mine. My daughter Emilie named Bear, number 2 and my son Jakob named Katie, number 3, after his chicken (this will have to be explained in a future story!). My husband Dave gets Moira, number 4, since he named her after his favourite character in Schitt’s Creek, Moira Rose. After assigning each family member with a piggy, we then had a conversation about the rules: each person would buy or make each other a few little gifts. Second rule: you are not allowed to look in your own boxes, no matter how tempting that might be. This calendar will be kept in the kitchen, where we can see it every day.
What makes this interesting is that we only open a box every four days…and we also have to be mindful of what to add to the boxes. What do the other family members enjoy? What fits in the box? Let’s bring joy to each other while patiently waiting for our turn to discover our special treats!
The challenge was to find items that would fit these tiny boxes while allowing enough room for everyone to add something. Chapstick, hair elastics, candy, small wooden ornaments to paint and chocolate coins were all great choices. I told the kids that no matter if they are 16 and 18 that we could put all kinds of fun things in there! It could be something sweet, something silly, something handmade…It could be a little word of encouragement or a cute drawing. I was suggesting to my son that he could put money in there for his sister. Emilie loves to take walks to the small grocery store nearby and purchase little treats for herself or a special vitamin water. Money would be appreciated. I am curious to see what kind of things I will receive!
Jennifer Geigel 