THE RUSH OF THE SEASON — FINDING GRATITUDE IN THE CHAOS

It always seems that as soon as the school year finds its rhythm, Thanksgiving sneaks right up on us. Between children’s school events, the change in weather, and work schedules filling up, suddenly we’re knee-deep in grocery lists, recipe planning, and wondering how on earth it’s already November!

This time of year can feel like a whirlwind — organizing family gatherings, sorting out who’s bringing what, and making sure everything comes together on time. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the menu and the hustle of preparation.

But in the middle of all that chaos, there’s a quiet reminder waiting for us — that Thanksgiving is really about slowing down and savoring the moments that matter most.

At Pop-Ins Schoolhouse, we see this season as a wonderful opportunity to include your little ones in the heart of it all. Let them help stir the pie filling, set the table, fold napkins, or draw a “thankful for” card for each guest. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be shared.

When children are part of the preparation, they learn that Thanksgiving isn’t only about the food on the table — it’s about the love, teamwork, and laughter that happen in the kitchen along the way. It’s about family traditions, the smells of cooking that fill the house, and the joy of coming together after busy weeks apart.

So as you juggle grocery bags and recipes, take a moment to breathe and enjoy your little ones.