In today’s post I’m sharing a few tips for documenting December memories. Most years I create an album to document the month of December. But every year it’s a little different. Sometimes I use a travellers notebook style, create a junk journal or just add it to my yearly album. There are just so many ways to document your holiday traditions/memories.
This year I’ve decided to create a 6×8 album with pocket pages and interactive inserts. I love this format because it allows me to easily add pages and change out the pockets if needed. I share a flip through of the album along with how I plan on keeping up with the project, in the video linked below.
If you live in Canada and would like a kit (and tutorial) to make this album, contact me. At the time of writing this post, I have a few kits still available.
Tips on Documenting December Memories
There’s really no right way or wrong way to document your memories. It can be done however works best for you.
- Decide on the Format: Decide what size or style of album would you like to use to document the holidays? There are so many styles to choose from. Choose what works best for you! Here are a few options: 6×8 album with pocket pages; travellers notebook; spiral bound notebook; 4×8 album; tag book; or maybe you want to just add a few layouts to your yearly 12×12 album.
- Gather Supplies: Start with basic scrapbooking materials. If you are already a card maker or scrapbooker, you likely have everything you need. It’s the perfect time to pull out some of your favourite Christmas items and put them to use. Here are some suggestions: pattern paper, card stock, coordinating ink, embellishments, stickers, bundles, stamps, adhesive, paper trimmer, and pens. You can also include memorabilia throughout the month like holiday cards, ticket stubs, gift wrap and tags.
- Create a Plan: Before diving in, jot down some ideas on how you want to organize it – daily, weekly or by event. Sketch out some layout ideas. This planning will help streamline the process and ensure a cohesive look. If this isn’t something you enjoy, consider purchasing one of the extra 6×8 Interactive Album Kits or the tutorial!
- Daily Prompts: Consider using daily prompts to inspire your pages. I’ve pinned a few on Pinterest to help you get started. These prompts give you ideas on what to take photos of throughout the month. A lot of these things are just everyday things but sometimes those end up being the most meaningful and a great reminder of holiday traditions. Go through a couple of the lists that I’ve pinned and make a list of the ones that interest you the most and keep that handy.
- Incorporate Photos: Take LOTS of photos throughout the month – of gatherings, decorations, and candid moments. Print and include these in your scrapbook. This adds depth and context to your stories. And makes it fun for you AND your family members to go back and flip through.
- Use Your Own Voice and That of Others: Include journaling on your layouts in your own words. Share your thoughts and feelings about the moments. This makes your scrapbook even more meaningful. Include the voice of others. Interview family members, ask them what their favourite traditions are. What they look forward to the most? Get creative with your questions. It’s fun to hear the the stories told from a different perspective.
- Enjoy the Process: scrapbooking should be a fun experience, so take your time. Get together with friends to work on it, listen to holiday music and grab a cup of hot cocoa or whatever gets you in the holiday spirit.
- Start Now: Getting a jump start on your album will save you time during the busy holiday season. Even if it’s just a matter of gathering your supplies and putting them all together so they are ready when you are, makes a difference. I like to create my base pages so that all I need to do is print my photos and add journaling. Then I’ll usually update my album weekly and use the notes section on my phone to jot down anything I want to remember in between. This works well for me.
December 2024 6×8 Calendar
I created this 6×8 calendar to keep track of what we have going on in December and to jot down some of our bucket list items. If you’d like to print it off and use it, you can find it here.
The last piece of advice that I have for you is to enjoy the process! If it becomes a chore or you get behind, inevitably something will come up and send you off track. If that happens, don’t be hard on yourself. It’s ok to set the project aside until you’re ready to revisit it or even let it go entirely.
Until next time,
Leave a Reply