I don't write to you all as much as I'd like to, but thought today it's important with all we've been through this year. With Christmas almost here and the end of the year almost on us, I wish that your family would draw closer together with Love, Peace, and Joy. I am a very positive person and like to keep our resources uplifting for you, so let's take a look at love, peace, and joy in light of this season even in 2020.
LOVE
This year has been a big year for random acts of kindness. People have shown love to complete strangers frequently all over the community giving food, brightening neighbors' driveways, donating extra to local charities, and more! It has been such a delight to partner with The Teach at Home Mom and 6 other local businesses to launch our very own act of kindness trend, Elf Your Neighbor! I have enjoyed seeing local families surprising their own neighbors with Elf Baskets using #ElfConcord. Tomorrow (12/23/20), two MEGA Elf Basket Winners will be announced! Then, I will probably sit back and love on my family a bit as we celebrate Christmas. May your family know true LOVE this holiday season!
PEACE
In a time of unrest, we are here to be a resource for ALL families! I believe it is not peaceful to just ignore differences, but to engage and work together with (and often benefiting as a result of) our differences. As publisher for Macaroni Kid Concord, I have worked with publishers, business owners, and subscribers very different from me that have helped Macaroni Kid Concord to grow in ways I could not on my own. We do not all have the same beliefs, holidays, look, talents, background, etc. yet together we raise our families in the Concord area. We all have access to the beautiful hiking trails, get the same blizzards, and are always on the search for fun things to do locally.
It was wonderful to run into one Macaroni Dad subscriber on a couple occasions that shared how much it has blessed his family since his wife works weekends. When his wife asks what he is doing a given Saturday, he sends her the event listing from our site. It is encouraging to see dads, moms, grandparents, nannies, foster parents, and other caregivers loving Macaroni Kid, because I wasn't a parent when I started as a subscriber in Maine. I was an aunt, then later a nanny looking for fun things to do with kids. Now with 2 kids, I saw the need and brought Macaroni Kid to the Concord area. I hope it helps bring PEACE to your family and our community.
JOY
This may be my favorite. My husband said once (in a not so positive tone...haha) that I'm all about fun. I do think I'm serious at times when necessary, but I do enjoy games, festivals, gatherings, and sharing them all with you! This year has kind of made all of us adapt. Without Market Days Festival, Deerfield Fair, Old Home Days, and more, we have switched to other forms of fun like scavenger hunts, Drive Through events, and lots and lots of virtual events. Our community has really come together to work through the struggles to host some really enjoyable things! Here are a few things not to be missed this Christmas: watch some animated Christmas lights and/or the Gift of Lights at NHMS, visit Santa at Bass Pro Shop, and get your FREE Personalized Letter from Santa. Although when all the fun of the holidays have faded, when events get cancelled, and when real, messy life hits, I wish your family knows true JOY not based on temporary, fleeting pleasure.
I am always here for you if you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to talk- sarahcates@macaronikid.com.
With Love, Peace, and Joy,
Sarah Cates, Publisher for Macaroni Kid Concord
