Our Christopher Academy families are happily looking forward to our Winter Break to celebrate Christmas and other family traditions. We have had such fun with our parties and programs over the past couple of weeks. Our halls are decorated with Santa, Christmas trees, angels, and snowmen. Presents are being wrapped and eagerly given. Simply put it is a fun time of year.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent the morning in "Santa's Room" during our Holiday Mouse Breakfast. I love hearing all the special wishes for what the kids hope to find under their trees on Christmas morning. Santa promised to do his best and to maybe have a few surprises. You can't help but smile when you see the children having this magical moment. As I listened, I began to think about what is the best gift for kids and I have some ideas.
This is what I know about our kids: As much as they love to get presents, they also love to give. Now giving doesn't necessary mean an actual present all wrapped up with a pretty bow. Giving also is helping others. CA kids like to know that they are making a difference. We just need to give them the opportunities. Through various community service activities, in keeping with our Be Kind Do Kind theme we have done just that.
In November, CARES Club students sorted and organized all of the personal hygiene items that had been donated for the American Red Cross "Holidays for Heroes" project. We have multiple activities that afternoon, but this was the one they were most excited about. In December, CARES Club students presented a delightful program for the residents of Churchland House. But the best part of the afternoon, was the gift of a smile shared between a child and an older person.
Just last week, our K-Cub students were positively joyful when they spent the afternoon sorting, packaging and wrapping all the items donated for the Portsmouth Humane Society. Again, you just had to smile watching their enthusiasm. It could have been done more quickly and efficiently by adults, but think what would have been lost if the teachers had not patiently let them do this themselves.
This is what it comes down to: The best gift we can give our kids is our time, our patience and our encouragement. Sometimes we live at such a frenetic pace, it is easier to do things ourselves rather then letting them do things themselves. Household chores are a great opportunity to simply talk and work together. And guess what...when you give your child this gift of time, you have also given yourself the best gift of all.
