The Santa Shop was in the Nest at Crabapple Lane during the first week of December. There were a lot of toys for kids to buy for their family or friends. Parent volunteers helped kids to wrap their presents so that their families or friends didn't see them. Some of the favorite gifts that kids could buy were:

*balls *mugs *wind up toys

*water bottles *stuffed animals *necklaces

*ear buds *plants *earrings

*key chains *a stretchy man *ring

*squishy bananas *mini skateboards *trophies

I loved the Santa Shop! Did you?

Interview with Ms. Patterson

by: Abigail Dingler

Our awesome school counselor, Ms. Patterson, took time out of her busy day to share with us some great ways to make the most of the holiday season and gear up for a happy and healthy 2022. We can all learn from her insight and helpful advice below.

Do you have some good ideas for students and families to celebrate the coming year?

• Trying new activities and seeing new places not only can make life richer, they can also improve your mood and sense of well-being. Kick off 2022 as a family by visiting a park in our town you've never been to or going to Atlanta to experience one of the many sightseeing venues.

• Start the year off on the right foot and give back to your community by volunteering as a family. You'll feel good by doing good, whether you decide to clean up a public area like a park, play with puppies at a local animal shelter, package meals at our local food bank or for a summer lunch program.

• Families can also begin a gratitude circle by sharing at the dinner table what you are thankful for that day. Research says taking just a few minutes each day to be mindful of what you have to be thankful for improves well-being.

Where will you be when the countdown gets to 0?

• I will be with my family to bring in the New Year. We often have a game marathon night and sing karaoke as we wait for the New Year. We’ve also made time capsules in years past and smashed a pinata at 12:00! This year, we will be watching my favorite football team, UGA, beat Michigan in the Peach Bowl.

Who will be the first person you tell “Happy New Year!’

• My family typically is all together when the clock hits midnight. We all yell "Happy New Year" together and then hug one another.

With a new year, comes the opportunity to make a new start. Do you have any personal goals you would like to share?

• Follow a consistent sleep schedule to reduce my stress. I’m a night owl and stay up too late.

• Make my adventure bucket list for 2022 and put riding in a hot air balloon on it.

• Be consistent with a workout schedule to improve my health.

What would you tell those who are overwhelmed with holiday and New Year preparations?

• Stop and breathe. This time of year is NOT for us to make everything perfect. It is meant to be a celebration of joy and gratefulness and appreciation for everything wonderful in our lives. Don’t waste it by sweating the small stuff. Spend time with your loved ones and embrace the moments you have with them during the holiday season.

What are some good New Year's resolutions for those with no clue of a good idea for a goal or habit for 2022?

• Write down your goals for the New Year as you are 1.4 times more likely to succeed at them than those who don't write them down.

• Be less afraid to make mistakes! Strive to not fear messing things up. And even if you do mess something up, maybe there's a way you can make your mess your message.

• Don't let little things bother you as much. There are many things in life to get mad about. If we waste our time getting mad about everything, we won't have much time to just be happy. Practice being patient in moments where you could get upset. Do your best not to dwell on things that bother you for more than a few minutes.

• Be a better person with those in your life that you care about. You can look for ways to be kinder to your friends, family, classmates and everyone you interact with.