Updated: Feb. 28, 2023
Originally Published: April 30, 2021
This year, my kids’ Easter baskets were pretty minimal. They each received a chocolate bunny, some jelly beans, and a few stickers, along with a couple of eggs they hunted for in the yard. I know it might seem a bit stingy—especially after seeing elaborate spreads on social media with soccer balls, video games, and heaps of stuffed animals. One family even had tickets to a Broadway show!
But here’s the thing: my kids were genuinely happy, despite one of them wondering where the Lego sets were. They’ve outgrown the myth of the Easter Bunny and understand that we opted to spend our holiday budget on a family trip to the mountains rather than on toys. We’re moving away from material possessions. Stuff can be burdensome; we’ve decided to prioritize experiences instead.
We left for our trip the Saturday before Easter and spent six glorious days in the North Carolina mountains, staying in our favorite cabin—though it’s more of a luxury rustic retreat with a hot tub than a traditional cabin. We hiked to several breathtaking waterfalls and discovered our secret beach on the Chattooga River, where the boys caught brown trout and played in the sand. We even climbed a mountain together. Instead of purchasing trinkets from local shops, we gathered shiny mica chips to display at home. The trees may have been bare, but the evergreen mountain laurel bloomed beautifully, and my sons had the pleasure of catching salamanders next to a roaring waterfall. When it was time to leave, my middle child was heartbroken over losing the biggest fish he had caught.
These moments are what I will cherish forever. I’ll remember the glimmer of the brown trout my sons caught, the rivers swollen from rain, and the joy of watching them splash in the hot tub. This kind of joy far outweighs any extravagant Easter spread. Trust me, my boys feel the same way.
Now, don’t get me wrong; we do spend money—we just spend it differently. Last year, we snagged children’s kayaks for $50 each at the end of the season, including paddles. We redirected some of our Christmas funds to purchase them. My husband, Jake, and I already had our own kayaks and a canoe from our grad school days, so we decided to invest in our family adventures.
Then came the glorious day when my 6-year-old was learning to kayak in his own boat. He gracefully floated down the Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park, navigating over cypress knees and under water oak branches. We spotted a brown water snake curled up on a branch, and I even capsized once, scrambling back into my kayak with a jolt of fear about what might be lurking below. Meanwhile, my son and his little friend were busy planning their wedding as we eavesdropped and chuckled. A stick bug even fell into our canoe, causing my youngest to scream for 15 minutes straight.
Our kayaking adventures continue to be our main spending priority over toys or clothing. The sporting goods store is filled with gear like tow ropes, paddles, and UV-protective shirts. On Easter Saturday, we floated down the Saluda River, with my 3-year-old perched in my lap as I paddled. We spotted osprey and kingfishers, while Jake didn’t catch anything but we did find a side creek filled with muskrats. My oldest son, Blaise, took delight in scaring turtles off their sunbathing logs. When we hit the class 2 rapids, he turned to me and said, “Mama, can we do that again?”
We also explore historical battlefields together. Blaise has developed a fascination with the American Revolution thanks to our homeschooling approach. We visit local historical sites, listen to audiobooks about famous generals, and retrace the steps of the soldiers who fought for independence. My 7-year-old knows what a redoubt is because he’s seen one in person. He even pretended to storm the rebuilt redoubt at Camden. We’ve clambered over ships and walked along the paths of old palisades. With gas prices rising, we trim costs elsewhere, like our Target trips, to make these enriching experiences possible.
On a local level, we ask relatives to gift us annual memberships instead of physical Christmas presents—memberships to the zoo, the state museum, and the local children’s museum. And let me tell you, we visit that zoo at least once a week! In the summer, we frequent the botanical garden’s splash pad, where Blaise even met his “girlfriend” during a homeschool event. Just the other week, he had his brothers bury him up to his neck in sand, creating a perfect photo opportunity.
We’re consciously avoiding the accumulation of stuff. We already have more than enough, and I can feel it weighing me down when I step into my home. I often want to declutter rather than add more. Sure, I might need a new kayaking shirt here and there, or a tow rope for my 5-year-old, who is still mastering his confidence on the water. But we’d rather invest our resources in creating lasting memories. The sight of my sons gliding down the river and holding those shimmering brown trout is something I’ll treasure forever. I carry these moments in my heart, and I’ve learned that the heart can’t hold onto physical things like Easter baskets.
If you’re looking for more interesting topics about family experiences, check out our other blog posts, including how to start your journey with an at-home insemination kit—an excellent resource for those considering pregnancy. For further information, visit this link. For those seeking authoritative guidance, you can also explore this resource. Additionally, for comprehensive information about pregnancy, visit this page.
In summary, our shift from accumulating material possessions to embracing experiences has brought unparalleled joy to our family. We prioritize adventures that create lasting memories, ensuring that the moments spent together are far more valuable than any physical item.
Keyphrase: Experiences Over Material Goods
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]