Happy, Healthy Holidays
Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center
Dear Center Families,
Looking back on other December newsletters I have done - the focus has been around either:
Staying healthy (because of the “yucky” part of the holidays that includes colds and the flu -- which then led me to sharing our Center illness and exclusion policy), or
Believing in the magic of the season (where I would then share information about our Polar Express reading event).
While both themes are still relevant, they have a much different spin and meaning again this year. Keeping your child home because they are sick, goes far beyond the pre-pandemic public health guidelines. It most often now means getting them tested for Covid-19. For many, 2020 and 2021 have been extremely difficult years, so finding the “spirit of Christmas” can be hard. I feel like there is another collective breath we are all holding, wondering who will test positive next, and if further classroom closures will be needed as we continue through this significant wave of community transmission in NH, including Carroll County.
Looking for my own inspiration, I remember that the month of December is a magical one, especially when young children are involved. With each day that passes, the excitement builds here in our classrooms, especially for those who believe in Santa Claus! I am reminded of the quote in the movie Polar Express where Santa says,
“This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas - as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”
So, this December, I will be working on choosing faith (that this persistent pandemic will someday end as we currently know it) and joy (like I see in your young child’s eyes every day).
As you celebrate the season, I hope you will join me in doing the same. And may you and those you love, have an extra measure of joy, comfort, and hope in the month ahead.
Warmly,
Teri Ann
P.S. Bob Tuttle will continue our annual Polar Express reading tradition on December 23rd… albeit via Zoom in each classroom since we will not all be gathering in the All-Star room.
