Christmas Time Capsules

Here's a fun project that becomes a sweet family heirloom

by Erin Blakemore

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Spirituality aside, Christmas is all about the ornaments. And frankly, there are just never enough of them. Take advantage of the unending need for more with a grandchildren-friendly craft project that becomes a sweet family heirloom.

Enter the time-capsule ornament. The concept is simple: a clear glass or plastic ornament becomes a receptacle for treasured memories.

Materials Needed:
Fillable clear glass or plastic ornaments (available at craft stores)

Symbols of your childhood to fill the ornament. For example, if you loved baseball, you could insert a tiny toy baseball and bat. If you grew up during the Depression, you could use an old penny to symbolize the country’s economic downturn. If you love the color blue, you could insert a blue button or a piece of blue fabric. You can even make miniature color copies of beloved photos to insert into the time capsule.

Give advance notice to the grandchildren about finding items with which to fill their own time capsules. If they can’t think of anything, suggest miniature toys, pictures, clippings of their hair, a baby tooth, or mementos of a pet.

If you want your ornament to be extra fancy, purchase colored beads from the craft store. Use clear-drying glue and secure them to the inside base. Add your memory trinkets after the glue dries.

Next, have every ornament maker draw up a capsule list, explaining why each item was included.

As a final touch, attach ribbon or a decorative hook to your new ornaments and hang them on the tree.

After the holidays, store the lists along with the ornaments to create a lasting family legacy.