This open letter came to our attention recently so we here in Ardagh NS thought we'd share it with all our parents and visitors to our site. Though the words are not our own (they are from an anonymous teacher) the sentiment and observations are very true in our experience. We hope you agree.
‘Dear parents at Christmas,’
‘I know at this time of year there is pressure to create a perfect magical Christmas. I know that you want to give them the magic of Santa and ensure he brings the best gifts and sometimes that means a bit of stress for you, but I’m writing to tell you a secret.
‘I’m writing to tell you that every January when your child comes back to school they tell me all about the Christmas holidays. They tell me about the days when everyone stayed indoors and watched TV.
‘They tell me about the walk in the freezing cold to get a McDonald’s. They tell me about staying at Grandma’s and then being excited when you came back from work. They tell me about how you let them snuggle in your bed.
‘They tell me how you played cards and took them swimming one day and forgot their towel. They tell me about a visit to a friend’s on New Year’s Eve and how they stayed up to midnight. They tell me how they loved staying in their PJ’s some days and a trip out another day.
‘They mention their gifts, but for them Christmas is you and your love and time and routines and feeling safe. You are their favourite thing!’
