Keepsake boxes store cherished memories, one-of-a-kind keepsakes, and special mementos. The holidays are filled with opportunities to spend time with loved ones and create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Consider creating a keepsake box during the holidays as a way to house and honor the memories from a special holiday season. It could be an exciting time before a life change, a time when younger children are bringing magic to the season, or a special event is taking place throughout the holidays. We will guide you through why it’s so important to dwell on those special memories in the first place as well as what a keepsake box can contain and some suggestions on what to include in a keepsake box.

In an age when it seems like there is a constant barrage of negativity, stress and uncertainty, finding moments of peace and joy can feel challenging to say the least. But did you know there are actual health benefits to happy memories? Psychology Today reports that “remembering when” with others can instantly make you happier. Recalling happy memories is an effective and powerful way to interrupt and reject negative thoughts. Also, the bedtime practice of reminiscing over joyful experiences and special moments that have enriched your life can lift spirits and boost life satisfaction. Here are their six steps (with some added thoughts from me) to recalling happy memories and in turn, feeling better!

1. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep - That line is actually from one of the best Christmas movies of all time (This is not up for debate. My blog, my list mmmmkay?) In the classic film White Christmas, Bing Crosby sings to Rosemary Clooney, “When I’m worried, and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep…” He’s right! Begin a nightly rhythm that includes searching your rolodex of memories and lingering over the sweet ones that spark relaxation and joy.  
2. “Remember when” with your friends - Now if you are like me and grew up on Saturday Night Live with Chris Farley in the 1990s, you may remember the hilariously awkward skit centered around the lovable Farley interviewing famous guests. However, his interview questions centered mostly around him saying, “Remember when (insert obvious moment)... that was awesome.” Even though it was an extreme example, it struck a chord because we all love to remember fun and special moments with our friends and loved ones. Just this past week, my husband’s aunt, uncle and cousins were at our house and we spent an hour laughing over their childhood stories and “remember when” moments that brought us together and made us feel connected. 
3. Commit Your Happy Times To Paper - I’ve written often about how important the practice of gratitude is for your overall health and mental state. This blog specifically talks about balancing grief and gratitude during the holidays. Consider keeping a journal and every day write down a few moments that make you happy or bring joy. These are great to re-read down the road as you practice the art of remembering! 
4. Pull Out the Old Photographs - Who doesn’t have a box of old pictures in an attic, basement or closet that could use a bit of fresh air and sunlight? During this holiday season, pull out old photos and look at the smiling faces, iconic clothing of eras past and bangs that touched heaven. It’s also a great way to share stories of loved ones who are no longer with us and keep their memory alive and active for the next generation. 
5. Send a Note to Someone Who Makes Your Life Better - This is a season of giving but that doesn’t just mean giving of presents. Sharing words of thankfulness and gratitude with people in your life who love you and support you is a great way to honor others and keep the “Christmas spirit” alive and outwardly-focused. 
6. Use Prompts - Utilize the power of sensory triggers like music, smells or textures to transport yourself to happy moments from your past. A favorite song that connects you to a loved one. The smell or taste from a dish your loved one always made or enjoyed. The feel of a coat they always wore can bring you back to a happy place in your mind. 

Now that we’ve established why it’s important to prioritize and revisit special memories often, let’s get into the nuts and bolts (thankfully no actual nuts and bolts are required - my carpentry skills are non-existent!) of how to create a keepsake box. There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what does or does not go into a keepsake box. Your box - your items! It’s also your call on what the actual box is made out of. Laurelbox offers a really beautiful wood keepsake memory box that can be engraved. If you are on a budget, you could even decorate a shoebox or choose a plastic container. The box is really just a vessel to keep and store your special memories. Laurelbox also offers a variety of memorial keepsake items that could go inside if you are wanting to add some custom remembrance pieces. Spend a few minutes and think about what – or who – you are wanting to commemorate.  Maybe it’s your last holiday season as a couple before the baby arrives. You could include a few pictures of you going on dates, a ticket stub from the theater, a receipt from that fancy dinner, a champagne cork and a letter you both write to yourselves to open next winter. If this holiday season finds you caring for a loved one struggling through cancer, your keepsake box could be pictures of the family all together, a thumb drive with interviews of your loved one, a recipe card for a special dish they love to make, a list of the top 10 hilarious things that made everyone laugh this season, and a handwritten note from the person to you all to read next year. 

My beloved stepfather passed away in 2017 in Israel after a long battle with cancer. Shortly after the funeral, his eldest son put together keepsake boxes for all us kids. In it, he put water from the Jordan River, a smooth stone from the Sea of Galilee, soil from the land, and the coordinates of Gary’s burial plot on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. It was so thoughtful and sits on my shelf even now. I find that I open that keepsake box from time to time when I’m thinking about my stepdad’s joyful laugh and his quiet strength. 

Be creative and let that story be an example of different ways you can create your own keepsake box, whether it be a holiday keepsake box or memorial keepsake box for a loved one. If I was going to make a keepsake box for my late maternal grandmother, I’d definitely include Steak n’ Shake coupons (her favorite) and a lucky buckeye, among other items. What can you come up with for your person or season? 

We hope this blog helped guide you through why it’s beneficial to remember and linger over special memories and happy moments from the past. The health benefits have been studied and we shared six strategies for ways to incorporate recalling happy memories into your daily routine. We explained what keepsake boxes are and ways to create them for holiday seasons, special family moments or in honor of a loved one. No matter the reason you are creating a keepsake box, or what your budget is, we hope you feel inspired to look for keepsake box items and prioritize remembering!