Joy and Love claim BrightStart kids
BrightStart centers are always alert to managing sudden outbreaks. While no one likes to admit how prevalent Boogie Fever is among PPEC patients, the holiday season often sees the onset of more seriously fun conditions: Yuletide Madness.
It was just such an affliction that whipped BrightStart Sanford into a holiday hysteria on Thursday. In a shocking twist, both the cause and the treatment for the excitement was none other than Santa Claus.
“A lot of other holiday icons have really strict pre-event day training,” Santa confided. “I’ve got a bunny buddy who goes on a taproot fast every spring. I just don’t train that rigid. I find that a personal visit to very special children ahead of the Christmas Eve run loosens me up.”
Mr. Kringle set up shop in a specially decorated area where he had time to share some love and gifts with BrightStart patients and families.
Staff Time Machine™
Remember December
Kaitlyn
“My sister and I waking up and opening presents. I opened my present and it’s my favorite book of all time The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green.“
Holidays usually mean guests – and we were fortunate to have a few of those! The VSNA Elves Union provided four fresh and friendly elves to help Santa deliver his holiday magic. Thank you so much to our new friends Monesa, Alsen, Stephanie and Melinda!
Staff Time Machine™
Remember December
Linda
“I was about 4 1/2 in this picture. We had a tradition of my older sister reading The Night Before Christmas to us. We got to sit on the ‘nice couch’ in the living room we weren’t allowed to play in most days. It was a fun way to get excited about Santa’s visit later that night.”
We also had a very special guest from our friends at Bright Feats Directory (and Abilities Workshop) Hannah Doerstling. While Hannah is familiar with BrightStart this was her first visit to one of our centers to see our nursing, therapy and love in action.
Staff Time Machine™
Remember December
Tish
“Getting a Suzy Snapshot Doll from Santa at age 6.“
To wrap up the day (see that? Wrap?) our friend from Joyful Music Therapy, Ms. Jennifer, led the kids in song for Santa … and from there, things somehow ended up in a giant snowball fight.
As you can see, we managed to get a few more artifacts out of our Staff Time Machine™, so enjoy a peek at some staff childhood fun.
BrightStart says a big thank you to the crew at Sanford, and to our families who joined the party to help Santa get ready for his big day next week.
Staff Time Machine™
Remember December
Sharon
Sharon didn’t have any holiday photos available, so we outsourced to a local graphic designer. We are super impressed with the realistic result!
Thank you, Santa Claus, for bringing holiday joy and love to our centers. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next week – and we can’t wait to see you again next year!
At age 12: “I remember asking for a red, heart-shaped phone for Christmas that I saw in a department store while shopping with my mom. I had finally gotten my own room, and this was another step toward more freedom. I think the smile on my face is evidence that Santa did not disappoint. Thank you, Santa (and Mom). I wish I still had that phone.”
Staff Time Machine™
Remember December
Amanda
At 1 year old: “This popping toy is proof that Santa has a sense of humor. My mom reports that it was the most annoying toy, but they suffered through the annoyance because I loved it so much. Thank you, Santa (and Grandma Brinkle).”
We’re headed into the weekend – take Santa’s training advice and live a little. Get a snack and take a look down there, we got you something you don’t have to wait to open … it’s our latest photo gallery!