We're making it!

Welcome back, students and staff!

During a much quieter than normal Thanksgiving break at my house, over appetizers on Thanksgiving Day, my spouse and I asked our two kids about this past year and what they felt they were most grateful for.  We felt that it was especially important this year to think about all the positive things that happened even in the midst of all the big misses we had.  I was pleasantly surprised to find my kids - who are 9 and 7 respectively - pretty reflective.  They mentioned being grateful for our health and the health of our family members,  time spent outdoors in nature, time spent together as a unit of four, the connections we were able to make with our extended family here in VT during the summer and the early part of the school year, and the ability to connect with family that is far away via zoom and facetime.  (While my son didn't mention video games, and my daughter didn't mention YouTube I am sure they were grateful for these too!)

Considering all that we missed, family trips, sports seasons, or even something as simple as eating at a restaurant, we realized how much we had to be immensely grateful for.  So many around our country and in our communities are missing loved ones this holiday season, or are feeling lonely because they can't connect in person with those that are far away.  

I loved this commercial that I saw the other day because it touched on the fatigue that we all feel (even Santa is out of ideas!!), but in the end, it reminds us that it's the togetherness that is important.  He also reminds us that we are together in spirit even when we can't be together in person.  (Thank you Zoom!)            

I think it's important to note that sometimes it's the things that we often take for granted like squished cheeks or"tired" family folklore, that really make us feel connected and that's why Santa decides that the idea of packaging togetherness works.  

It's like this idea...

It's the storm (or the storms) that bring us close together.  I hope that those of you who don't celebrate Christmas but do celebrate a season of giving, will take the same meaning from today's post, that is that we all keep finding ways to pull it off, despite the storm, and also that it's not the toys and gadgets that matter, but the togetherness, the belief we have in each other, our ability to keep one another safe and healthy, and our knowledge that we'll come out on the other end sooner or later that truly mean the most.  

Have a great week everyone!

Be well, 

Mrs. Hempey