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Make creating a time capsule an annual New Year's tradition.

Happy New Year! January traditionally marks a fresh start, with everyone focusing on hopes and dreams for the year ahead. And since January is a time for looking into the future, it's the perfect month to create a time capsule. In fact, creating a time capsule can become an annual tradition that your family looks forward to each New Year's Day.

Step by Step:

1. Cover the canister with aluminum foil and decorate any way your child desires using markers, stickers, or other items. Put your child's name and the date on the time capsule.
   
2. Gather up personal items such as photos of family members, friends, and pets. Add a piece of your child's artwork, a story he or she has written, his or her handprint, and a toy. Now collect some "artifacts" that reflect current history. The idea is to select items that describe your children's life and times. You can add a newspaper headline or story, a political campaign button, and/or a baseball or other sports card. You might want to include mint-fresh coins and first-issue stamps, or a listing of movies currently playing at the theater. Another fun idea is to record one of your child's favorite songs and place the tape in your time capsule.
   
3. Place items inside the capsule.
   
4. After replacing the lid, explain that the capsule is to be hidden away until a certain date. Help your child decide when the capsule should be opened: next January 1st? In five years? In ten years? In twenty-five years?
   
5. Hide the capsule (a basement or attic works well) and tape a note to it specifying the date it is to be opened.

Materials:

• Airtight canister with lid (potato chips, oatmeal, coffee, etc.)
• Safety scissors
• Markers and/or stickers
• Aluminum foil
• Family photos
• Mementos
• Craft glue

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