Holiday

Earth Day, Stewardship and the Catholic Faith

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Earth Day is an annual celebration of our planet and everything it does for us. For many, it’s also a day to reflect on and speak out about what we could do to make our beautiful planet even better. In the Catholic faith, it’s about protecting all of God’s creation, from the people to the plants and the animals that inhabit the Earth. Earth Day is special for everyone, but these are a few reasons why it’s especially important in the Catholic faith:

Protecting Our Home

All of God’s children share a home. Even Adam and Eve were told by God to be stewards of the garden. From our first steps, we were made to protect and guard our environment. People of faith have a vested interest in protecting the environment for the future of the planet. There are plenty of ways to focus on protecting the planet, whether it’s participating in cleanup and recycling efforts, planting trees and gardens, or educating others about being better to the environment.  

Helping the Less Fortunate

Climate change disproportionately impacts people who have less and therefore contribute less to the climate problem. Housing is more affordable around power plants and factories, which provide jobs but also contribute to pollution. Earth Day is the perfect time to participate in cleanup efforts and other initiatives to help those who are struggling. 

Contemplating God’s Creation

There’s no better day than Earth Day for contemplation. This Catholic practice creates a deeper appreciation for God in all creation, including people, animals, plants and more. Take a walk with your family, and encourage everyone to take in the nature around them. Find a nice park, or see what inspiring sights you can find in your own neighborhood. 

Earth Day Saints 

Aside from the many Biblical references to nature, several saints found inspiration in the Earth. St. Francis of Assi, a gentle man who loved contemplating God’s creation, is known for his care for nature and animals, ministering to the poor, and founding the Franciscan order. St. Kateri Tekawitha, a Mohawk, was the first Native American recognized as a saint. She is the patroness of ecology and the environment, Native Americans and people in exile. These are just a couple examples of saints who loved all of God’s creations.

Earth Day and the Catholic faith go hand-in-hand, and we encourage our students to celebrate this important day. Our Orlando Catholic school located in the Diocese of Orlando is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Making Lent More Meaningful for Your Child

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Long, boring, devoid-of-treats: these are a few words a child might use to describe the Lenten season, at least until it leads to the inevitable anticipation of Easter candy. Without understanding the context of Lent, your child may not find this liturgical season all that relatable. As a Catholic, you know how important Lent is, and you wish your child did, too. Here are a few ways you can make Lent more meaningful: 

Start with Stories

When you tell your child they need to sacrifice something for Lent, the first question you probably hear is “why?” It’s a reasonable question, especially if they don’t know the stories behind the Lenten season. Pick out a few Bible stories that relate to Lent, including the one about how Jesus suffered leading up to his crucifixion. Stories help everyone relate to what they’re learning about, especially children. 

Incorporate Journaling

Consider buying your child a Lent journal that will guide them through the season while allowing them to write down the ways the season impacts them. This is a great way to help your child feel more connected to their faith on a personal level. If you’re not looking to invest in a season-specific journal, give your child writing prompts each day that will allow them to reflect on their thoughts and experiences.  

Keep Track Together

Making a sacrifice for Lent may not be appealing to your child on its own, but add in charts or calendars to help them track their progress, and suddenly they’ll be accountable and find it easier to stay on course. Keep the chart or calendar in a place that everyone in the family can see so everyone can be accountability partners. Consider having separate calendars for each person in the family to get everyone involved in the activity. 

Add in Positivity

Lent can be a somber, reflective time, especially when you consider the focus on self-sacrifice. For children who may not understand the benefit of quiet reflection, this may make them feel disconnected from the meaning of the season. If your child is bummed out by the idea of giving something up yet again, consider encouraging them to pick up a new, good habit. This spin on Lent can serve the same purpose of bringing them closer to their faith without the heavy, somber feelings. 

Lent is one of the most important seasons in the Catholic faith, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. Our Orlando Catholic school understands the importance of this tradition. Located in the Diocese of Orlando, St. Charles Borromeo is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

7 Spring Break Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

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The school year is flying by, and spring break will be upon us in no time! In Central Florida, we are blessed to have many places to visit that are drivable, one-day trips that won’t cost a fortune, and things to do for great family fun. Florida is a shining example of God’s never-ending awe and presence in our lives. Our state has countless natural resources for us to enjoy and is also home to terrific museums and historical sites. These spring break ideas are sure to make everyone in your family smile.

State Parks and Beaches

Our local nature options span from Wekiwa State Park and the Ocala National Forest, which are Orlando neighbors, to the Lighthouse at Ponce Inlet and the beaches at Daytona, New Smyrna, and Cocoa. For fresh water enjoyment, there’s DeLeon Springs, Blue Springs, and Silver Springs. There are many other state parks and beaches to enjoy on a tank of gas, and all are sure to bring a day packed with family fun!

Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa

A quick trip down I4 brings you to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa. Your family can enjoy all MOSI has to offer, from interactive exhibits and a Sky Trail ropes course to the planetarium. They have special events scheduled for spring break, and reservations can be made for camps and special events. This museum is sure to inspire your future scientist. 

St. Augustine Forts and Historic Downtown

About a 2-hour drive from Orlando, St. Augustine is recognized as the oldest continuously occupied settlement in America. Castillo de San Marco is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. Fort Matanzas is also located in St. Augustine and open to visitors. Visit downtown’s historic district, ride the trolley or explore the pirate museum. There’s a lot to see, and do in St. Augustine and you might consider making it an overnight destination mini-cation.

Orlando Science Center

We often forget to visit the places closest to home. The Orlando Science Center offers multiple floors of tremendous fun for all ages. Visitors can explore special interactive exhibits and enjoy animals native to the Sunshine State. You can take a moment between exhibits to watch visually inspiring educational films in the Dr. Phillips Cinedome with a 180-degree screen or the Digital Adventure Theater featuring 4K films and a stage. They also offer special events for people of all ages, as well as private experiences that can be reserved online. 

Brevard Zoo

Just 1 ½ hours southeast of Orlando, the Brevard Zoo has undergone recent upgrades and is home to over 900 animals from around the world. Enjoy kayaking, aerial adventures at TreeTop Trek zip line, and animal feedings throughout your visit. Take this opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts of Brevard Zoo and places like it around the world. This small zoo is conveniently located near the beaches of Brevard County, making it perfect for a stop on a day or overnight trip. 

Fort Christmas 

This Orange County Park includes a replica of a fort built in 1837 during the Second Seminole Indian War; a traditional Florida “Cracker” house and eight pioneer homes; a schoolhouse and lunchroom; a sugar cane mill and other historical farming equipment. Admission is free, making this a great destination for an educational and fun day out. 

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo delivers fun, fresh air and a chance to get up close to many of the native species that inhabit Central Florida. Zip-lining adds an extra dimension of excitement, and there’s always a special event or something new happening. The botanical gardens offer a chance to stop and smell the flowers, enjoying the plant life that’s native to Florida while watching the pollinators fly by.

Many cities in Central Florida offer free or low-cost spring break camps and activities for children of all ages, and we encourage you to explore those options this spring. Our Orlando private school located in the Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

How to Be More Mindful During the Holidays

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As they enter the Advent Season and make preparations to celebrate the birth of our Savior, families often find themselves being pulled in a million directions. With all the trappings of the bustling holiday season, it’s easy to lose focus on what this time of the year is really about. If parents are feeling anxious and stressed at this time of the year, rest assured that kids are, too. So, how do we slow down and become more in-tune with our own thoughts and our children’s? 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being present in a moment, aware of our surroundings, feeling our emotions and being at peace. Parents can find mindfulness in the midst of all the holiday madness. Their calm and centered mannerisms will help their family find mindfulness too. The end goal is to purposefully slow down and be grateful for the blessings we already have. There are many ways to find mindfulness, and you’ll need to explore different methods until you find what works best to give you the calm you seek to make it through the holidays. Prayer is always a great place to start when you’re looking for ways to be more mindful and present.

Journaling

Some people find that 15 minutes a day of writing their thoughts down, especially things they are grateful for, helps them to renew the soul, and centers them for the day. The physical release from writing provides calm and mindfulness, and taking time to think about the things that mean the most can help move the needle in a positive direction. Your child can spend this time thinking about everything God has blessed them with in their lives, thoughtfully reflecting on their lives and the lives of those around them.

Regulated Breathing

You may be skeptical when told that you can practice breathing. However, regulating your breathing can help you stay calm, even in stressful situations. Yoga is a great way to learn to control breathing. If you find that stillness keeps you calm, sit somewhere that you won’t be interrupted (there’s always somewhere in the house) and close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing, and focus your thoughts on what you are most grateful for. Counting the seconds of your breath can help you breathe more deeply and release stress. 

Get Outside 

When you’re feeling stressed and have been inside all day, going outside can help. Perhaps take a walk and really listen to the bird songs, the rustle of the wind in the trees, or the crash of the ocean on the shore. Simply spending a few minutes per day being mindful can restore balance in your life. Think about what’s truly important, and learn to appreciate the little opportunities that occur daily.

Read 

Whether you read the Bible or have a favorite inspirational author, take 15 minutes a day to read and seriously contemplate what you’ve read. Words are powerful and can help you establish mindfulness while planting a seed you can share throughout the day. As long as you’re reading something that makes you happy or calm, taking time out of your day to read will help you slow down and improve your mood.

Make it a Family Thing

As parents, we want nothing more than for our children to be healthy, happy and to know God’s love. Modeling mindfulness to them is an important part of this. Any of the above suggestions can be adapted for children, encouraging them to take the time to slow down and be more mindful of their family, friends and self. 

Spending time as a family engaging in traditions and explaining the history is a great way to introduce mindfulness into this crazy time of year. Bake cookies together, set a table together, take turns saying a prayer of thanksgiving each night before bedtime. Remember if you are mindful, your children will sense it and react accordingly. 

Our Orlando Catholic school, located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Symbols of Advent and What they Mean

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Advent wreath against wall

Liturgical seasons bring with them all kinds of religious symbols. Advent has layers of symbolism that all lead to the main event of Christmas — the birth of Jesus. It goes beyond a Christmas tree; Advent has wreaths, calendars and many different colors of candles. Learn what all these symbols mean.

Advent Wreath

Advent wreaths represent continuous life. The circular shape symbolizes the eternity of God, immortality of the soul, and everlasting life in Christ. Each evergreen woven into the wreath has a different meaning. The laurel represents victory over persecution and suffering. Pine, holly and yew convey immortality. Cedar shows strength and healing. Pine cones symbolize life and resurrection.

Advent candles over a wreath

Advent Candles

Four candles represent four weeks of Advent. Here is what each candle represents:

  • The first candle, known as the Prophecy Candle, symbolizes hope.
  • The second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
  • The third candle, the Shepherd’s Candle or Candle of Joy, symbolizes joy and is pink in color. Pink represents joy or rejoicing, showing a shift from repentance toward celebration.
  • The fourth candle, the Angel’s Candle, symbolizes peace, reminding us of the message “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

Candle Colors

The candles lit for advent all mean something different based on their color. Each one represents a different week of the season. Three of the candles are purple, the liturgical color that signifies prayer, penance and sacrifice. Purple, the color of royalty, is traditionally the primary color of Advent. This color shows the anticipation and reception of the “King of Kings.”

Christ Candle

As a more modern tradition, some place a white candle in the middle of their wreath and light it on Christmas Eve. White is for purity, as Christ is a sinless, pure savior. It’s also a symbol of victory, celebrating the birth of Jesus who would go on to become a symbol of hope for Christians.

Advent Calendar close up

Advent Calendar

The Advent calendar is pretty straightforward. Each window of the calendar helps families count down the days until Christmas. Counting down the days using an Advent calendar gives families an idea of what it was like to anticipate Jesus’s birth. These calendars often contain small gifts or candies for children. While these calendars now come in many varieties, from strictly traditional to fun and hobby-based, they all represent the same thing— the period of waiting for Christmas to come. 

Our Orlando Catholic school located in the Diocese of Orlando is more than a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

5 Fun Family Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

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open road labor day

On the first Monday of every September, Americans celebrate the accomplishments of workers with a day off from work and school. This time off can be a great opportunity to bring the family together. Whether your family craves outdoor adventure or sees home as their happy place, there are plenty of activities everyone can do. Here are some ideas for quality time over Labor Day weekend. 

Road Trip

For family bonding, there’s nothing quite like spending several hours on the road together. When planning your adventure, pick a place that would be fun for everyone, or reach out to a relative you haven’t seen in a while. Find roadside attractions along the way. Prepare for several stops, especially if you have young children. You’ll also need ample breaks to stretch your legs and fuel up. Pack plenty of snacks and forms of entertainment. Plan out who is driving when, and book overnight accommodations ahead of time so you don’t end up sleeping in the car.

Backyard Camping

Camping in the woods with no electricity or running water is an option, but it may be intense for some, especially children who don’t yet understand the romantic notion of getting away from it all. Backyard camping has some elements of camping without the difficult parts. To begin your “camping trip,” pitch a tent in the backyard with plenty of towels, pillows and blankets. Start a campfire for cooking s’mores, hot dogs, or other camping treats. Don’t forget to bring stories to tell around the campfire. Just make sure to fully extinguish the fire at the end of the night. 

drive in movie

Drive-in Movie

Give your child a blast to the past by going to a drive-in movie theater. In one of these nostalgic venues, your family can enjoy sodas, snacks and big silver screens without ever having to leave the comfort of your car. Find a theater that’s showing child-appropriate movies, and get the family together for a short road trip. If the nearest drive-in theater is too far away, and the weather’s nice, consider a movie in the park as an alternative. 

Find Local Events

If all this planning sounds like a headache, hop onto someone else’s event. Labor Day parades, outdoor markets and other fun activities could be happening right around the corner. Check Facebook events or the calendars on local newspaper and radio station websites to see what’s going on around town. Make sure the event you choose is child-friendly and something your child will enjoy just as much as you do. 

decorate for fall

Decorate for Fall

Decorating for every season can be tiring when you’re doing it alone. See if you can make this ritual into a family activity. Create crafts as a family to place on the table, hang on the walls and display on the porch. If your family isn’t crafty, go on a family shopping trip where each person picks out their favorite fall items. Decorate the house together in sections over the course of the weekend so everything will be done in time to ring in the fall season.

Three-day weekends (or in the case of St. Charles, a four day weekend!) create perfect opportunities for family bonding, which is crucial for child development. Our Orlando private school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando is more than a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Show Educators Love on Teacher Appreciation Week

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desk with books apple and pencils

Teaching requires passion and dedication to creating compassionate leaders, especially at Orlando private schools. Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 3-7 this year, has honored the men and women who educate our children since the National PTA established it in 1984. While apples are an iconic gift for teachers, we have a few other ideas for virtual and physical teacher appreciation gifts.

Send a Nice Message

One fun way for your child to show they appreciate their teacher is by sending a thoughtful message. Consider playing videographer for your child, and have them record a video for their teacher. If your child is camera shy, have them write a nice letter or email. To keep them on topic, let them choose from the following prompts, or come up with one of your own:

  • The best thing about your class was…
  • My favorite thing about you is…
  • I will always remember 5th grade because…
  • My favorite lesson you taught me was…

child in yellow shirt drawing a picture

Draw the Teacher

Doodling in class is generally frowned upon, but if you have a child who loves to draw, encourage them to express themselves by drawing their teacher. If you’re the more artistic one, draw it yourself. This type of personalized gift shows that your child cares. No matter who drew the picture, have your child sign it so your teacher will remember your child when they see it. If your child draws the portrait, make sure to look at it before they bring it to their teacher— sometimes well-meaning children create art that requires further explanation.

Make Something

Craft projects are essential for early education. Teacher appreciation week gives your child the opportunity to explore their creativity outside of school. Choose a project that would make a great gift, and help your child make it. Teachers are always looking for storage solutions, so a decorated plastic box or pencil holder could be a perfect present. You can make a tin can pencil holder by adorning a clean soup can with colorful beads and popsicle sticks like the one you see here. Or, as a twist on giving your teacher flowers, have your child paint a plain ceramic flower pot with fun designs, and give the decorated pot to the teacher with a flower or succulent planted inside. 

brown gift box with red ribbon

Give Them a Gift

Not all children love doing arts and crafts in their spare time, and that’s OK. You can still figure out a fun gift for your child’s teacher. A gift card in a nice box can be a great way to show appreciation. To give two gifts in one, consider placing gifts into a reusable water bottle or a mason jar. You can fill either of these useful items with pens and pencils or with candy and mints. Depending on the size, you can even hide a gift card among the items so the gift keeps on giving. These are just a few ways your child can show appreciation for their hard working teachers.

At St. Charles Borromeo, teachers work hard to guide students toward academic and spiritual growth. Our Orlando private school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

The Days of Holy Week

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holy-week-cross

To mark the end of Lent, Christians celebrate Holy Week to commemorate the final days of Jesus’ life and His resurrection. Each day has its own significance and is celebrated differently. Take time with your child to help him understand the meaning of each of these days. Here is a guide to Holy Week from an Orlando Catholic school:

Palm Sunday

The sixth and final Sunday in Lent is known as Palm Sunday. This commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. To celebrate, churchgoers wave palm branches like the crowds of the time. Showing humility and fulfilling a prophecy, Jesus rode in on a donkey. On this Sunday, crowds observing Passover in Jerusalem proclaimed Jesus the messianic king. In some churches, worshippers wear crosses made of palm fronds. Palm Sunday is also referred to as “Passion Sunday,” because “passion” comes from a Latin word meaning “to suffer.”

Holy Thursday

The first day of the shortest liturgical season, the Easter Triduum, is Holy Thursday. This day commemorates the last day before Jesus was arrested. To represent the Last Supper, churches celebrate the Last Supper Mass and the last Communion before Easter. Other events include the betrayal of Judas and Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Certain sects refer to this day as “Maundy Thursday,” with “maundy” meaning “to give,” “to entrust,” or “to order.” Aside from giving Communion, churches celebrate with the ceremonial washing of feet, just as Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles this night. After Mass, the tabernacle empties out, and the hosts move to another location for adoration. The church is truly empty during these days of remembrance leading up to the Easter Vigil. 

Good Friday

On this day of Holy Week, Christians do not celebrate but take time for reflection, honoring the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made. Good Friday commemorates the arrest, trial, crucifixion, suffering, death and burial of Jesus Christ. No one hosts a Mass celebration on this day anywhere in the world, rather a musicless, dimly lit gathering and sometimes a Communion service. There are a couple ways this day is observed. Eat church will have a Veneration of the Cross, where worshippers bow before or kiss a large cross. This is also a day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting means we eat smaller meals for breakfast and lunch with a normal sized dinner and not eating between meals. Abstinence means we avoid meat on this day. 

Easter Vigil and Easter

On Saturday, day 7 of Holy Week, Christians practice quiet meditation while remembering the faithful and honoring martyrs. Catholic churches host a candlelight vigil after sundown that begins outside the church with a fire and the blessing of the Easter Candle. All at once during Mass the lights in the Church will come on and we will sing Alleluia as Jesus has risen from the dead and conquered death! Then, all day Sunday, worshippers celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. The music, communion, and celebratory nature return. After church, families get together for brunch, Easter egg hunts, and dinner, traditionally serving lamb to mark the end of Lent. At our Orlando Catholic school, we believe Holy Week is important for children to observe and understand.

St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando Catholic school located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is more than just a place to learn; it’s a community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Give Up Waste for Lent

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online shopping

Over the next 40 days of Lent, Christians around the world will take time to focus on their relationships with God. One step that many take is giving something up for Lent. In the past, we have recommended sacrificing soda, negativity and screen time. This year, we recommend giving up waste. The environmental impact of discarded products, such as single-use plastics, cannot be overstated, and now is the perfect time to consider what you can go without. Here are our recommendations:

Reduce Your Consumption

During this time of preparation for Easter, stop shopping. Rather than buying whatever makes you happy in the moment, narrow down your list to items that you need. Depending on your current habits, this could mean making food at home or avoiding the allure of online shopping. This also means not buying your beloved child the toy he picks out at every store. Be mindful with your spending, and you’ll be amazed by how much you can save. Once Easter comes around, consider donating some of the money you would have otherwise spent. 

bamboo utensil set in cloth

Switch to Reusable Products

Plastic has been a convenient material for years, and it’s especially popular because it doesn’t break down. Unfortunately, this is also a major downside to plastic, especially single-use plastics that end up in landfills and oceans. Consider purchasing items that can be used multiple times, like metal or bamboo straws, bamboo or thermoplastic utensils, and metal or BPA-free reusable water bottles. Buying these items for the whole family and making sure everyone uses them will remove more waste than you may realize.

full clothes closet

Recycle What You Don’t Need

Unless you have already taken serious time to declutter, chances are, you have items you don’t need. Each day, go into a different area of the house, and look for items you can donate or, if no longer usable, throw away. We recommend donating as a way to give back to others, but there will be items that you’ve held onto that have seen better days. Think about how long it has been since you used each item, not how quickly you may use it again. Encourage your child to do the same, and help him choose items that another child might love.

At St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando private school, we believe every person can make a difference and that Lent is the perfect time to create better habits. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.

Ringing in the New Year with Your Child

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Dress up

Celebrating the New Year as an adult looks a little different from celebrating as a child. First of all, New Year’s Day becomes more significant with every passing year. Secondly, like with any party, children and adults just celebrate differently. Get together with your child this year, and ring in 2021 in a way you will both remember for years to come. 

Get Fancy

When attending a major celebration, dressing up is always part of the fun. Trying on your new favorite heels or dusting off your best suit is basically the adult version of playing dress up. Find fun items like costume bow ties and pearls to dress up with your child. Seeing what they think of as fancy will be fun, and you will have the opportunity to take great pictures for family photo albums. Add in a photo booth, and get creative with paper masks, speech bubbles, and other fun props. 

chocolate fountain

Kid-Friendly Refreshments

While adults immediately associate New Year’s Eve with champagne and black-eyed peas, there are options that are more palatable for children. For mock champagne, use sparkling grape juice, or add Sprite to another flavor of juice. Instead of a drink bar, set up an ice cream or hot cocoa bar, depending on what the weather in Florida decides to do. Consider a chocolate fountain, but only if you are ready to monitor it throughout the night. Crockpot foods and dips are also a great option, as they can stay heated up, but they also tend to get a little messy. 

photo album

Create Lasting Memories

With the year drawing to a close, now is the last chance to make lasting memories of 2020. Put together a scrapbook of memories for the year or look through old photo albums together. Let your child reminisce on their favorite games and toys from the year. If you have a white board, let everyone write their memories down for the rest of the family to see. Taking time to look at the positive aspects of 2020 will help your family prepare for a great year in 2021. We encourage students to always look at the bright side, and we believe a positive mentality starts at home.

At St. Charles Borromeo, an Orlando private school, we encourage families to spend time together to continue faith-based education at home. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.