It is inspiring to read of such simple ways to celebrate with young children. Some of the festive descriptions in these articles may be familiar to many of you, new to others.   There are similar features in all of them and some unique, distinguishing characteristics as well.   Most important, however, is the simplicity they offer.

How I loved this time of year during the years I was at home when my children were little. I sometimes wish I would have maintained that same level of simplicity when I became a kindergarten teacher and, later, a child care director.   If we are not careful we can try to be all things to all people when we are teachers or carers of other people's children. A striving for perfection and providing a wow quality can overtake us, and we end up offering too much. Can there be too much beauty, too much wonder, too much delight? I don't know the answer to that question. What I do know is that I have met countless numbers of early childhood educators and parents who exhaust themselves during festive times. Please, as you read these lovely offerings, imagine creating just one or two of the things that most impress you. Clip your joy meter to your belt, and if you start to redline toward overwhelm, pull back. Remember - we are the models for these young souls, and we mostly want to model resiliency and joy. Perhaps the carol that offers us a good motto for this time of year is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - the first and the last lines.   "God rest ye merry gentlemen" and "Oh tidings of comfort and joy."

This is my wish for you, that you find rest, comfort and joy during this holy, sacred time of year, however and whatever it is that you celebrate.

With love and peace,

Cynthia

--Founder and Director of LifeWays North America

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