It's November! I'm thrilled. It's officially the holiday season, at least for our family. I've already started planning our decorating, parties and holiday meals. I also use this time of the year to teach my kids about appreciation for others and being grateful for what they have. I want them to realize how much others do for them and to take a moment to say thank you. Every year, starting November 1st, we work together on little "thank you" baskets that we hand out to various people in the community, a simple way to give extra.
On Saturday morning, we went to the store and picked up all the supplies we needed: Extra gum in yummy flavors, apples, cookie baking supplies and a cute basket.
Adrian wanted to include his favorite cookies in the basket so we spent Saturday afternoon baking batches of chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies.
I decided that our first basket would go to the office staff at his school. Most people remember to give thanks to the teachers and principal, but who really remembers to thank the staff that is there day in, day out making sure the school is running the way it's supposed to? We assembled our basket with cookies, an apple and a couple packs of Extra gum. Then, Adrian wrote a nice note to include in the basket:
" To the office staff,Just a little something to thank you for all you do! We are very grateful for you! Adrian A. and family"
He insisted on carrying the basket into school this morning!
The school office was packed this morning, but we just waited ont he side until everyone was done getting their passes and documents. Then he handed the basket to the secretary and said "This is for you, thank you for everything!"
She was so surprised and even got a little misty-eyed. She said no one had ever done anything so sweet before. Adrian was so pleased with himself and even caught a little smile on his face as he headed to his classroom. I know this little token of our appreciation made their Monday morning!!
For more ideas on how to "Give Extra" this holiday season, make sure to check out Extra Gum on Facebook and Twitter!