What do you collect? What do you tend to buy while on vacation? When I was younger I would always buy a cool t-shirt (now known as graphic tees). It was always more of a tourist t-shirt then not an artistic statement.
Still it is fun to buy things and remember the experience and feeling of the place visited. However, I’ll admit, as much as I like to wear my graphic tees, it really isn’t something that could be passed on to the next generation.
How long do you keep a souvenir?
I could argue the graphic tees could become a nice quilt. I can’t see myself reminiscing as an 80 year old granny with my graphic tee quilt, but maybe.
Something you might consider is to buy an item you might use every day. I loved the experience of fresh squeezed pomegranate and orange juice we bought from the street vendors in the Holy Land. My Christmas present one year during the COVID lockdowns was a juice press like the ones the street vendors use. When I use it, it reminds me of my trips, the sights, the sounds, the tastes as well as the happy feeling of those around me while drinking the juice.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant. But something that helps you remember the site or the event. Something that you could use every day. Another fun souvenir is a pashmina scarf. I like to add it to an outfit every now and then. When I have too many or would like to change them out, they make great gifts.
Special items such as Christmas ornaments collected from locations visited can be easily purchased. Or pieces to add to a nativity set, one animal at a time. When on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, always stop in Bethlehem to find a Nativity set (such as at Kando’s shop in Bethlehem pictured above)! Or a beautiful piece of jewelry. Israel is known for diamonds. The Holy Land is also known for its artisans who make beautiful jewelry and carvings out of olive wood. ALWAYS BUY FROM LOCAL ARTISITS and local shops. Don’t buy junk, you will want to savor your memories for a long time.
Non-tangible souvenir?
One non-tangible that many people think of are photos. So many things to do with photos!
- Frame and hang in your walls as decor. No need to buy a print someone else took of a far away land. Print your pictures and re-visit those spots all the time.
- Printing your pictures as decor items make great gifts!
- Combine the pictures into an album or bound book. Re-visit anytime.
- Make a slide show of your photos and put the in your photo carousel on your TV as rotating art!
Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee
I’m sure there are other ways to use your photos so you see them and re-visit your amazing vacation often. Get creative. Share your experiences. And remember your trips.
More non-tangibles, music!
I experienced this while sitting on the banks of the Sea of Galilee listing to some of my favorite praise and worship music watching the fishermen on the sea. Once home, one of those songs was played in church and I was transported back to the Sea of Galilee at sunrise. Such a wonderful experience to re-live.
Music from other cultures can also be fun to experience and explore. Bring home a recording or even sheet music to play at home!
Food! Yes. Food!
Remember the sights sounds and TASTES of a place will trigger memories! The food item won’t last forever but a recipe does. Make sure you get the story behind the recipe. Especially if it is a family tradition.
Journal it .. so you remember correctly
And with all souvenirs it is best to write down what it is, where you purchased it, and why.
I try to record my purchases in a journal, so as an 80 year old granny wrapped in my graphic tee quilt, I can refer to my journal to help me remember the two matching mother of pearl necklaces that were purchased almost 50 years apart from the same town. The same community of craftsmen in Bethlehem. One I inherited from my grandmother that she purchased on her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1971 and one I purchased in 2020 for my daughter while on our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. My daughter and I talked about how three generations had taken the same pilgrimage for similar reasons. These necklaces not only connect us to our memories of our pilgrimage but also a shared experience with our loved ones.
The best memento to bring home is a deeper connection to your faith. In addition to that, I hope you find other meaningful mementos or souvenirs to remember your pilgrimage as well.
