Do you really want to know how many things can go wrong on a single day at school? Probably not. So let me just say that after twelve I stopped counting. J The Christmas Party was the highlight of our day and thankfully went quite well. I had lots of parents and very few mishaps.
I’m always touched by the support and kindness of our staff, but it is especially evident during the holidays. We all buy little treats for each other and for the students. One of the teachers brought me hot chocolate for breakfast. Another brought homemade goodies one day. Others made little ornaments. There are cards in the mailboxes and anonymous chocolates find their way to my desk. One of our administrators provided doughnuts for everyone. Our principal bought pizza for lunch Friday. We cheer each other through health problems and family issues. We cover for each other if holiday plans interfere with after school duties. We share family photos and stories of children and grandchildren. Such are the benefits of working in a small school where people feel like members of an extended family. I was thinking as I drove away Friday, that I will actually miss everyone during the break. I hope and pray they all have a wonderful holiday.
Not everyone will have a wonderful holiday. We forget that sometimes. As we waited for the ICU doors to open last night, I thought about all the people across the world who will either be in a bed or at a bedside during the holidays. Robert was in the hospital one Christmas and I remember the many kind strangers who stopped by to visit the children’s hospital. I still have a little ornament given to him by some group that was visiting the hospital that year. Just a suggestion if you are looking for an “act of kindness” to round out your week’s plan.
We’ve already had news from three families who have lost loved ones this week. It is difficult to gather for the holidays when someone is missing. Mom died just before Thanksgiving and it was so hard to sit at the table without her. I know these families will appreciate the love and support of their friends and neighbors in the coming weeks.
So…take care these next few days. Be kind to others. Be patient. Be understanding. Share a little and smile a lot. Santa isn’t the only one watching.
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