Grateful
We are grateful. Grateful for our healthcare workers, who are still on the front lines; grateful for our teachers, who are on another kind of front line; grateful for friends, who have saved us from crossing the line.
And what about the kids?
Friends Forever
As an adult, we know that finding friends can be a challenge, but it’s equally tough for kids, especially after over a year of pandemic living that has exacerbated all of their social-emotional strides. In a recent talk that Tina Bryson gave on the effects of the pandemic on children, she highlighted that they have a bigger need for connection and community.
File this under Extra
My solution? Friendsgiving for the kids. I’ve got two kids, so two back-to-back Friendsgiving parties before the Thanksgiving holiday. I’m keeping it outdoors and very simple since this is about providing a space other than the classroom for my kids to connect with their friends and for me to connect with their parents. I’m an introvert at heart but I also love a good party, so I want this to be low stress for everyone.
The Goods
I kept table decor to what I have on hand, gourds, mini pumpkins and persimmons. I’ve set out a Costco pie buffet in the pool house kitchen, pumpkin, cheesecake and pecan, whipped cream in a can. For the beverage bar, I’m offering cider I bought at Target that I’ll steep with oranges, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cloves. Adults can have a spiked version. Pin the hat on the turkey, a flower craft and drawing paper and crayons will round out the activities. Most importantly, I want everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. I’m grateful that we are able to be together.