The whole idea is to find a container that is big enough to hold some significant items but not too big to store. Now originally time capsules once they were loaded with their goodies were then sealed and buried. Chances are you are not going to want to bury your time capsule. Once it has been completed and sealed then it should be kept in a safe place.
The container:
You have to find something that is going to be able to last for many years. You don't want something that is going to rot or break. A small aluminum box would work well. You also want the container to have some meaning as well. Those metal tin cookie boxes may be the ideal solution.
The building of this very precious gift starts by you and the grandchildren going on a hunting expedition to find the perfect container. Now as said you could go to your local dollar store and buy one of those decorated metal gift boxes they have. Or you could buy a tin of cookies and once you and the grandkids have enjoyed the contents then you will have the tin left over to begin your time capsule.
Preparing the container:
Hopefully this container is going to be around for many years and you don't want it to get thrown out accidentally. This mean you need to mark on the container exactly what it is. Be sure to use a permanent marker that is going to write thick. Give it plenty of time to dry: Here is what you want to put on the container both from and back:
TIME CAPSULE FOR : your full name + grandchild's full name
The location: For example 24 East Street Toronto Ontario Canada
The Date Sealed:
(write out the full date) January 27th,(twentyseven) 2011(twothousandeleven)
The reason you want to write out the full date is in case it fades over the years it will still be possibly read this way.
To Be Opened Only By: Your grandchild's name
The Contents:
Now what do you put inside the container? This is where the memories are going to be built. You don't want to fill it right away so you want to plan to fill the capsule over a period of time. So for example lets says for the next 6 visits you have with the grandchild you are going to create a time capsule memory. Here is an example, and from here you can plan your own.
Memory 1:
Plan on having an afternoon picnic with your grandchild. The purpose will be to find a small item that can be put into the time capsule that will hold the memory of the time spent that afternoon. For example, perhaps the two of you could hunt for a pretty stone together. Now remember you want to find something that can be preserved and is not going to turn to dust. Remember this for all the items you choose.
Once you find the object spend some time talking about it, and maybe if there is something special you want to share at that time with the grandchild and vice versa then now would be the time to do it. This way you will link a memory to that object. In years to come when your grandchild has opened the time capsule then this object will bring them back to this moment, and it will almost be like being there once again. This is the whole purpose of the time capsule.
Preparing the object for the time capsule:
You need to clean the object carefully and let it dry fully before storing it in the container. You may want to wrap it in something so it won't get knocked around through the coming years.
Making Notes:
It is a good idea to keep a journal of each item. For example if it is a small rock that you have found, then in the journal you want to put the date, the events that took place and maybe a small summary of what transpired in that special moment. The note should contain a summary of your feelings and as well as your grandchild's.
Do this for each of the items that you are adding to your time capsule. Be sure to find the right type of paper and pen that will withstand time. You will need special paper and pen for this but its not expensive.(see the list of products at the top here)
Additional items:
Each of you should write a letter to each other using the special paper and pen and these should be sealed and placed in the time capsule. Although you as the grandparent will never get to read the one from your grandchild, it will bring the memories back to them when they read what they have written years down the road.
The final item you want to write is a piece of paper with the same information that you wrote on the outside of the capsule container. This way if for some reason the outside can't be read there is information about the capsule on the inside.
Sealing The Capsule:
Once all of the items have been added and carefully wrapped then you want to pack the box with a material that won't rot, to hold the items from rattling around. Then its time to seal the box. You could do this by covering it entirely in clear tape with several layers. Be sure though that the writing on the box is still clearly read. Ideally before doing this you may want to seal the lid to the box with a durable glue.
Storing the Capsule:
It is most important that you let other family members know about the time capsule. You could give it to one of the parents for safe keeping. If they know how important this is to you and the child they are sure to take care of it. Ideally you want to tell a few family members about it. This way if something unfortunate were to happen to the keeper of the time capsule, others will know about it and watch for it.
So there you have it. A gift of eternity. This is a tradition that you could start that could carry on for generations to come. These items you collect now could someday end up in the time capsule that your grandchildren some day prepare for their grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy of love!
If you would like to read some great articles on life in general be sure to visit www.livinglifearticles.com
