Principally Speaking

Officially, winter begins on December 21st, long ago known as the Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day.  On the eve of December 21st, bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" or celebrated with toasts of spiced cider. This was the origin of the Christmas carol, “Here We Go A Wassailing.”

Today, December 21st reminds us simply that it is the first day of winter and Christmas is 4 days away. In California, we don’t so much notice the “dark and cold” but anticipate Christmas Eve with a variety of emotions; excitement, anxiety, concern or satisfaction, depending upon family circumstances. Money should not define tradition. Use your imagination to find ways of bringing the children in your family together. There is a lot parents can do to bring joy to their children’s lives. The act of being together and celebrating the season with song, a story, or a holiday movie makes children feel safe and happy. Write down a family member’s name and place it in a bag accompanied by reasons why this person is special. Share these together in front of a fire with mugs of hot chocolate, or around the dinner table during dessert.

Make plans with friends or other family members to sing carols to the residents in nursing or retirement homes.

Make holiday cookies together.

Donate nearly new toys to the Sacramento Childrens’ Receiving Home

Watch the ads for Michaels and Hobby Lobby where you can get crafts 50% off for your children to gather round the table and work on.

Choose some holiday books from the library and spend an evening reading out loud while snuggled in cozy pajamas.

The month of December yields only fifteen school days this year. Students will study core subjects as usual, but will also be involved in festive activities. Think Win-Win is December’s Leader In Me habit as students learn that a win-win attitude are trustworthy. They balance courage with consideration. It is an act more powerful than words. Ask your child each day of this month to name something they enjoyed at school (recess doesn’t count!) Having a daily conversation about school helps kids realize that parents are interested in what they do each day.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!