Best Christmas Present??

12/16/2013

Growing up, I always felt like my mom was a movie director. She'd have the Kodak movie camera out during every event or chased us around the yard. She wanted to keep the memories alive from our childhood. She filmed our birthdays, holidays, and ordinary fun events like my cousin, Erik, running around the house with his broom "weapon".

Many years ago, my mom passed away and her movie projector and 8mm movies came to me. I loved to watch the movies, my family history. But always felt guilty.

This year, I've set out to change that. Today I dropped off 43 8mm tapes to be converted into DVD's for my Dad and sisters. I want them to have these memories to watch each and every day. I want my nieces and nephews to get to know their mom at six or seven and get to know their Great, Great Grandpa Mori who fought in WWI or meet their Great Grandpa Watling who used to pull coins out of our ears.

I think I've found the best gift this year. The DVD's are sure to be a gift that keeps giving as my sisters and father will love to go back in time thanks to my mom, the director.

What was the best gift you ever received or gave for Christmas? I'd love to hear your ideas! Who knows.. I might need it next year!!

Liza O'Connor link

12/16/2013 01:15:50 pm

My sister did the same for me. In the video, I'm really small, maybe 4 or 5, I'm happily swinging a screw driver in the air, happy as can be. Mum pays no attention, Dad is filming and suddenly my happiness goes to pain, I turn and look at my brother who has stabbed me in the back with the sharp point of his fighter jet. No one cares. Mother continues to ignore us, Dad continues to film. So I go back to swing the screw driver.

I love that film. It reminds how good life is now.

(Did I just share too much..sorry)

Melissa Keir

12/16/2013 01:30:51 pm

Sorry about your childhood memories Liza. I'm glad that life is good for you now. My movies are from when I was 4 until I turned 14. I've watched them before but now that my own children have grown and my nieces and nephew are getting older I want them to know their family.

D'Ann

12/16/2013 02:29:33 pm

Love that gift idea, Melissa!

12/17/2013 03:59:23 am

I hope they like it and appreciate it. These old films are all that's left of some of my family members!

Cara Marsi link

12/16/2013 03:05:16 pm

What a wonderful gift, Melissa. I know your family will love it. When I thnk about a best gift, the first one to come to mind was the pair of white ice skates my maternal grandmother gave me. I was a preteen and I loved those skates and I loved her.

12/17/2013 04:00:10 am

Cara,
It sounds like she knew exactly what you wanted! I'm jealous because I never learned to ice skate!

Gemma Juliana link

12/16/2013 03:40:37 pm

What a lovely idea, Melissa. You can't beat the gift of personal and family heritage. It can continue to be handed down. I have none of that, only my memories. However, I'm making use of the photo book idea offered at pharmacies with deep discounts and have made one up for each of my sons this year.

The best gift I was ever given was the year I was expecting my first child and my parents took me to a lovely luxury department store where they bought me a beautiful tree and box loads of magical ornaments to dress it. For years, every time I looked at those ornaments and dressed the tree, I remembered that day and how special it was.

12/17/2013 04:01:02 am

Gemma,
What a great memory! What is this photo book? I'm intrigued!

Ella Quinn link

12/16/2013 11:47:06 pm

Unfortunately my family wasn't much for pictures and I'm pretty sure no one ever thought of filming anyone.

For me, the best Christmas present I've ever received was having my son home from Iraq on R&R at Christmas. The second best was my 3 book contract last year.

Merry Christmas.

12/17/2013 04:01:46 am

Having your son home was truly a wonderful gift! I'm so glad you had that time and those memories!

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Best Christmas Present??

Melissa Keir

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