What the Holidays Mean to Us

The holidays came upon us so quickly this year.  Seems like time is just flying by.  In this crazy, busy time of the year we need to stop and ponder what the holidays really mean to us.

Does it mean we all rush out, fight the crowds and shop for things we don’t really need but are getting at a discounted price or decorate our houses to look better and brighter then our neighbors?  

The Holidays in our class mean much more.

Our Thanksgiving feast incorporated life skills into meaningful memories.  From planning the menu to decorating the classroom, making invitations and delivering them, setting the table and sitting down together with our classroom friends, we had a most memorable Feast.  We had high expectations for the students and they amazed us.  They were polite and used their communication devices to make choices on the foods they wanted to eat.  We all worked together with the clean up, and a great day was had by all.

On Veteran’s day our class discussed how veterans protect us so that we can live in a free country.  To honor and show our appreciation for all that they do, we made them cards to say thank you.  

As the winter holidays approach, we need to recognize the little things that make the holidays special.  It’s the smile on our kids faces when they accomplish something they have been working so hard on.  It’s the pride they are showing on their faces when they are sharing their work with the other students.  It’s the spontaneous interactions with their classmates that happen without being prompted that makes everyone smile. The friendships that are made will last forever.  These are the things that make our holidays special. Janean Mancini, Teacher, Celebrate the Children