It doesn't seem possible that the cold weather and snow is upon us already, but it IS! We hope that the excitement of the special holidays and memories soon to be made will keep us looking ahead with a grateful heart!

Our hearts are full of gratitude for....

…All the friendly smiles and joyful faces we saw at our Fall Fest in October.

…The high fives and words of encouragement as you and your little ones visited the Story Maze and learned about "Earl the Squirrel."

…Playing games, painting pumpkins, riding the train and hay wagon...and just being here to share with US so much fun!!!

We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with all of you at our Open House on December 7th and 8th, complete with a visit from Santa, story time with Santa, crafts, face painting, and more! Until then, have some sharing time with your family and commit to doing a few simple challenges.

Holiday Family Challenge for November/December:

Goal: To show what each family member is thankful for and create more time connecting and learning about one another

Supplies: Paper, pens or markers (for more of an art project activity, a box, large plastic jar or container that could be decorated) and scissors or possibly glue if doing a decorated container.

What to do: Everyday set a specific time to take a few minutes to gather together (ex: before bedtime, at the dinner table, after school). Ask a question of the day and have each family member write down their answer. Older siblings or a parent can help younger children with recording their answers. A decorated box or container can be used to collect the answers or you can use a simple notebook. Give the notebook or container a fun name like "Holiday Family Challenge" or "Our Gratitude & Giving Attitude!" Decorate the container as a group or design the front of the notebook! The next step is where the goal comes in. Write and answer questions that spark happiness and spreading kindness to others. It is awesome to come up with the questions together or assign who can give out the questions and take turns every other day or each week. At the end of the challenge, keep it to look back on years later to see how things may have changed, and to cherish that particular time in your families life!

Possible Questions: What made me smile today? What did I do to put a smile on someone's face today? Who are you most grateful for? Give someone a compliment today/tomorrow who you normally would not (go out of your box). What do you love about your parents/kids? Tell what it is and why you feel this way. Name a highlight of your day. What skill do you have that you are thankful for? How can you use your "gifts" to help others?

Embrace this challenge and you are bound to feel better! Focusing on the positive each day gives everyone a thankful heart and it becomes a way of life!

We look forward to sharing more special memories with all of you soon!

Wishing each of you God's blessings this holiday season,

Your friends at Ebert's Greenhouse Village