So let's start off a fresh New Year by introducing a new twist on the Memory Jar tradition.  Plus, we've got a Free Printable for you that's going to make this tradition super easy.

We love the custom of looking back at documented memories and things that you've expressed gratitude for from the past year but we want to add a twist that will get your kids excited and give them a fun activity to look forward to on New Year's Eve.

You might have seen jars or similar containers that are used to collect memories, but we're going to change things up a little.

Ready for it?...instead of collecting memories in a jar, we're going to collect them in a PINATA!

Can you see where we're going with this?  

At the end of the year, add some candy and treats, and then on New Year's Eve everyone gets a chance to take a whack at the pinata to break it open.  Fun right?

When it finally bursts, everyone can grab the goodies and enjoy them while each person in the family takes a turn picking up a card and reading the memory that's been captured.

Not only is this a great ode to the year that has passed but it adds a fun activity on New Year's for both parents and kids.   

To help make documenting your memories really easy to do, we've created these Free Printable Memory Cards that you can keep handy.  Just grab one and jot down a memory or something that you're grateful for that you want to reflect on in the future.  For the kids, depending on how old they are, they may need a little help documenting their memories, but this is a great practice to get them involved in too.

Here's What You Need To Start this New Tradition:

1. Download and print the Free Printable Memory Cards. 

2. Cut them to size.

3. Order your favourite pinata.  We think our Snowy White Owl is perfect to hold all of the memories throughout the year.

4. Then put the cards, a pen, and your pinata in a place that is easily accessible for everyone to jot down memories and things that they are grateful for throughout the year.  

What do you write in a Memory Jar?

If you need some help thinking about what to write, here are some of the things that you may want to capture:

• something funny that someone has said
• a quote that you want to remember
• an achievement
• something that you are thankful for

5. When it gets close to New Year's Eve, buy some of the family's favorite treats to put inside the pinata. Not exactly sure what to get?  Here are some of our favorites that you might like too.

6. Lastly, on New Year's Eve, have fun Playing the Pinata Game, eat some goodies, and reflect on the past year!

What do you think of our new twist on the Memory Jar?