Back to School Week: Traditions & Celebrations
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on August 26th, 2010 in Parties & Celebrations
If presented a chance to celebrate something, I do not think twice. Oh yes, yes my friends, I celebrate.
I can find almost any reason to celebrate: the change of a season, doing something new, a clean sink…okay, the party over a clean sink is really more of a happy dance, but you get what I’m saying here.
And what are we celebrating today folks? Why it’s the new school year of course! cue confetti and party horns
This is a big year for me. My youngest heads off to kindergarten. And we’re not talking one of these half-day things, but all day kindergarten. It’s the first time in six years that I will be on my own for the day. (hold me)
Now I’ll admit, this summer I had a few melancholy moments thinking about this new change. But the time for that is over. Now we dance! So here are few easy ways to welcome the new school year and get everyone excited about all that learnin’ they’ll be doing…
Back to School Dinner
I first saw the idea for a back to school dinner on the Nie Nie Dialogues (seriously, how amazing is that family?!). So we started this tradition ourselves. Our neighbors brought over their china and I hung up a few pompoms in the school color and we dined together and talked about the things we were looking forward to learning. It has become one of my favorite meals of the year.
Back to School Breakfast
Another food one? Quelle surprise! I love a big breakfast. On that first school morning, we enjoy a buffet of buttermilk pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs and fruit. Then we head to the bus stop and wave as the kids head off. Nothing starts the day off right like a full belly. Well, at least for me anyway.
Here’s my recipe, as lifted from Betty Crocker, for Buttermilk Pancakes. Enjoy!
Buttermilk Pancake Recipe:
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
1 beaten egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons oil
Combine dry ingredients. Add egg, milk and oil. Combine until dry ingredients are moist but do not over mix. Some lumps are okay. In fact, they’re good.
Cook on a hot skillet. Flip when they get all bubbly on top. Serve with copious amounts of real butter and real maple syrup. Trust me, you don’t want to be skimping on the real parts of those things. They taste so much better than the artificial stuff. MMmmmmm…..
Back to School Gift
What’s a celebration without a little gift? You know, nothing huge, but something small that has some meaning. Last year, I was feeling all craftsy so I made little pencil bags and tissue holders.
This year I’m thinking of doing something geared towards an after school snack. Perhaps a mug for some peppermint tea or hot cocoa?
Hmmm…I guess I still have a couple days to figure that one out. Any suggestions?
Okay, so there you have it. A few things to get everyone in the celebratory mood. Remember: Never hesitate to celebrate! As far as mottos go, it’s a pretty good one no?
Sincerest wishes for a wonderful school year for you and the kids!
Do you have any back to school traditions or celebrations to add to the list? I’d love to hear them!
Jennifer Cooper Says:
Jennifer Cooper Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 4:59 pm
You are definitely not alone! You can always do an end of the first week or month gift too. Stretch out the celebratory goodness.
[Reply]