Throughout our lives, we collect a number of material possessions. Often, we cling to these items for sentimental reasons, maybe they invoke memories. We treasure possessions and some people in this world are extremely materialistic. But aren’t memories and experiences far more important?
I was listening to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 after he had just interviewed Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA. He was on plugging yet another commercial activity of his involving the juggernaut that is ABBA. This time it’s ABBA party nights, and actually, they sound like something we’d really enjoy.
Value Experiences
But, it’s what Evans said after the interview that struck a chord with me. He was talking about how experiences and memories require no storage. They take up no spaces in our homes and they aren’t something you collect that you stow away in the loft.
He’s spot on. Experiences, and the memory of them, live longer within us that any material possession will last. I value my memories of my childhood more than any of the few material items I have from that time. Also, I value the memories of my Dad more than the watch he left me. I
I value the memories of our wedding day more than the ring I wear on my finger. But that ring, taking inspiration from bespoke wedding rings made in Australia, will stay with me for the entirety of my lifetime, it signifies far more than a solitary day. It’s also an object that invokes memories for me too. Some material possessions are worth having.
Give experiences
We try and give our girls as many experiences as we can. These can take many forms, such as the holiday we’ve recently been on, going to see a show, or simply taking part in a pantomime. These are memories made that will stay with them.
I’m going to be thinking hard about Christmas presents this year. Maybe we can swap out objects for experiences. We’ve already got a trip to Matilda the musical to look forward to in February.
Thanks for reading.
Dave
Totally with you on this, family are more precious than any items #thatfridaylinky@_karendennis
Thanks 🙂
Well Dave, it’s funny you should write this. In our garage are a couple of Harry Potter-style trunks filled with “stuff” the kids have done over the years. When my sister visited recently, she said she has kept one thing from each year of her teenaged son’s life and nothing more. The best things are indeed stored in my head and are not material posessions and I like this idea of giving your family an experience. I may try the same!
Time to put the money where my mouth is and come up with bigger and better experiences now!
Totally agree with john my best things to keep and remember are all in my head so many wonderful experiences and memories love this post Thank you for linking to #Thatfridaylinky please come back next week
Thanks. One of my better posts I think haha!
So true … the memories rather than possessions. We thought we would keep everything and weep later every time we would pick up an old favourite teddy, or marvel at a tiny shoe … but it hasn’t been like that. We have loads of stuff, like John, stored away, but it is the memories that live on. Nice post #TriumphantTales
Thanks. I’m getting some lovely feedback on this post. I can’t take all the credit – it was inspired by Chris Evans.
This is so true. And in this day and age we have so many possessions we just don’t know what to do with them. Far more ecologically sound to choose moments over things! #TriumphantTales
Thanks. I’d never even thought of the ecological aspect!
This is perfect!! I would rather spend time with my family doing things then collecting toys and such that will not get played with! #triumphanttales
Another one in agreement here. I’m all for experiences over tangible presents. In fact, we have a couple of simple ideas that the family are doing for our Daughters Christmas this year. Things like Trampolining vouchers for example that we can do as a family. There’s only so much playmobil a girl can have after all! #TriumphantTales
Excellent. Though, I’m not sure my youngest would agree with you about PlayMobil!
It’s funny you should share this, this week. I was only talking to my Mum about how we should think about giving ‘gift experiences’ as gifts rather than trying to find presents to buy and wrap for Christmas and Birthdays. A ticket for a show or a day trip out with the family are all things that will have far more meaning. Thanks for joining in with #TriumphantTales.