“Play gives children a chance to learn. They have to play with what they know
in order to find out more.
Then, they can use what they learn in new forms of play.”
-Fred Rogers from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood-
journal entry:
For Christmas we give family gifts. Five of them. Of course they are different. Based on needs and wants that year. We always try to give something that will last. Something the parents of our grandchildren might not have been able to buy for themselves . . . right now. This family got a swing set for Christmas – early. Not a fancy swing set but an ordinary swing set. Flexible Flyer brand from Toys-R-Us. We had already planned our trip to Arizona to see two little brothers. Oh, and their parents. So we took advantage of free shipping and had the box waiting for us when we arrived. Putting together the swing set was our Saturday project. Actually, three generations did it but I kept a close eye on the nuts and bolts and the tools. They disappear when children help.
A swing set means that Christmas comes every day. No broken trucks or missing parts. As we grow older, we may not be able to be as generous as we can be this Christmas. So, for now it is fun. Fun to give gifts that light up the eyes of children and bring joy for years. Fun to put it together, . . . together.
Merry, Merry Christmas . . . early!
Early in the grown-up’s vocabulary but “not a minute too soon” in the child’s.
Love, Grandpa and Grandma