I wish I’d thought of this earlier but they had a blast and it was great to reminisce as a family as we look forward to 2012. Every family member contributed to the activity and making the memories that made 2011 such a fantastic year.
- Gather your materials. I originally thought of making a wreath but when I saw my tinsel tree I grabbed it. Either works. You will also need some ribbon – ours was sheer and HARD to write on, plain cotton strips would be the easiest to write on but sheer is so pretty. You will also need some small containers ( eggs work great) to hide the memories in , some paper to survey your family for their favorite events/memories and some pipe cleaners for the tree topper.
- Start by asking your family for the top 12 events of the year – we tried to do one per month but it was closer 3 per season. We went around the table at dinner letting everyone add whatever they wanted. Hearing every one’s proudest and most special moments was in itself a great activity.
- Using pipe cleaners make a 2011 tree topper. I admit I did 2012 first and had to fix my mistake. Pop it on the top.
- Cut 12 pieces of ribbon. Write the memories onto the ribbon. Hold the ribbon tight and writing is easier. Use a permanent fine tip marker.
- Pop them in your containers. I was going to use eggs but I have NO clue where they are. Luckily I had a package of 12 paper favor boxes. Putting these together took longer than the rest of the activity. I need to find th0se plastic eggs.
- Hide them – how many can you see?
- Find them!
Read the memories as they are found. 
- Tie them onto the tree and keep going until you find them all.
Happy New Year !
I hope you and your family are blessed with fantastic memories of 2011 and countless opportunities to make great ones in 2012.
maggy,red ted art says
Happy New Year to you! And thank you for a fabulous blog and resource!
Maggy
Red Ted Art
Marnie says
Beautiful, Allie.
Kim says
This is an awesome idea. I hope to incorporate it into our festivities next year!
Natalie says
This is a fun idea. I am split on whether to let my 5 year old read Harry Potter. She wants to, but I don’t think she will stop at #1, and things get pretty hairy pretty quickly in the other books.
admin says
We were not sure either but we read the first one and then watched the movie and initially he was like ” I want to read #2!!” but after a day or two of us suggesting other books the excitement wore off ( not for books in general just HP) . We told him we’d read it soon but I agree starting early makes it hard.
Rachelle | TinkerLab says
This is such a fun idea, Allie. I was just thinking about how I would incorporate my little kids into the NYE festivities. Thank you!
Kelly L. says
Cute idea!! PLEASE, can you tell me where you got those chairs and stools in the pic below #6??? I LOVE them!
admin says
Ikea 🙂
Sarah McKenna says
Absolutely love this! Doing it tonight with my kiddo!