Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are well and that you all had a fantastic weekend! My weekend was filled with a pre-Christmas clear up and sort out! I emptied cupboards, drawers, chests and anything else that was filled with ‘stuff’. All the teachers at school know how much I love a good sort out and many have had my tidying/sorting skills inflicted on their classrooms! I am very much of the mind that you cannot focus in clutter and a clean space is a clean mind. On top of this, it was also a great opportunity to have a clear out my clothes for the school charity collection. I’m not sure Mr Bennett enjoyed our jobs as much as I did!
So as you all probably know by now, my most favourite time of the year is Christmas. I get so excited by the thought of it and by the build up to Christmas from about 2nd January each year! For me, it’s not about the receiving of presents, it’s about family, friends and community spirit. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy getting presents like everyone else – who wouldn’t, but I do enjoy buying presents for other people more. I usually start Christmas shopping in about February! I have a Christmas spreadsheet which is updated religiously with each purchase and I really like to think about what to buy for each person. I hate waste so I don’t just buy. Each present is very well thought out. I stick to our family tradition that Christmas decorations cannot go up until mid-December so there will be no early tree in our house this year – lockdown or no lockdown. I am not judging you if you have your decorations up already (in fact, I am a little jealous) but we cannot have our tree until after Mr Bennett’s birthday! However, I do acknowledge that my Christmas obsession isn’t for everyone and I apologise in advance for the next few Bulletins!
I thoroughly enjoy the little things about the lead up to Christmas: the darker nights, the colder weather, the Christmas radio stations, the red cups in a certain coffee franchise (other Christmas-themed mugs are available), the cheesy Christmas films that are on the TV and planning out when and where we are going to see friends and family over the festive period. This year has made me think hard about this more than ever and really value the simple, little things that bring us happiness. You don’t know how hard I have my fingers crossed that we all get to see our families this Christmas time.
In the next few weeks, I am going to look at Christmas from different points of view as I think it is so important that we don’t forget others at this time of year. Until then, I am going to leave you with my favourite Christmas advert so far in 2020 (I cannot hold onto it for any longer), in fact, I think I would go as far as saying it is in my favourite top 3 Christmas adverts ever. For me, it sums up what Christmas is all about. . . especially this year. Hope.
#Ibelieve
Days of the year themes for the coming week: There are some great ones this week!!
Tuesday 17th November – Homemade Bread Day, World Premature Baby Day, Entrepreneurs’ Day, Take a Hike Day and Baklava Day (yummy!)
Wednesday 18th November – Housing Day, Mickey Mouse Day, Adoption Day, Princess Day, Vichyssoise Day and Apple Cider Day (yummy!)
Thursday 19th November – International Men’s Day, World Toilet Day, Use Less Stuff Day, Play Monopoly Day and Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day (not so yummy!)
Friday 20th November– Name Your PC Day, Universal Children’s Day, Absurdity Day and Peanut Butter Fudge Day (yummy!)
Saturday 21st November – World Television Day, Red Mitten Day and Stuffing Day (yummy!)
Sunday 22nd November – Go For A Ride Day and Cranberry Relish Day (yummy!)
Monday 23rd November – Fibonacci Day, Eat A Cranberry Day, Cashew Nut Day and Espresso Day (double yummy!)
This week is also Road Safety Week and World Nursery Rhyme Week.
Quote of the week: “Choose kind over bring right, and you’ll be right every time.” – Richard Carlson.
New Ways November calendar task (this month’s activities are based on continued learning and trying out new things):
Tuesday 17th November:
Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself
Wednesday 18th November:
Connect with someone from a different generation Thursday 19th November:
Broaden your perspective: read a different newspaper, magazine or try a different website.
Friday 20th November:
Make a meal using a recipe or an ingredient you have not tried before Saturday 21st November:
Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them
Sunday 22nd November:
Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them
Monday 23rd November:
Set aside time to pursue an activity that you love
Sleeps til Santa: 38 days
Five things I am looking forward to today (thanks to Mrs Hinch for the inspiration): Can you try this each day? Remember, it focuses your mind on the positive and reminds us to show gratitude for things, no matter how small!
Today I am looking forward to: Speaking to my auntie for her birthday, doing story time via FaceTime with my niece and nephew, doing the food shopping (I know but I seriously love a food shop!), going to bed early and The Great British Bake Off!
Have a lovely week and enjoy every moment,
Take care of yourself and each other,
Mrs Bennett
