December is upon us and the Christmas trees and decorations are everywhere to be seen. That familiar warm fuzzy feeling of anticipation, knowing that Christmas is approaching, is growing and Dear Santa letters are being written.
I am sure many of you have seen the latest Christmas adverts, which have become quite the cultural phenomenon. These announce that the festive season is truly here and these Christmas adverts are often underpinned with a moral and heart-warming message. One of hope, packed with all the heartfelt Christmassy feelings, goosebumps and happy-sad tears included.
Watching a few of these, it made me think about what would the Sherfield Advert look like?
Would it be filled with the nostalgia of imaginary friends like the McDonalds’ advert, or the exciting theme of ‘getting up to trouble’ like the Homebase one? Would it be ‘love at first sight’ as used for the new Galaxy Phone or would we giggle at the silly things, like the people in the ‘don’t stop me now…’ Tesco advert? Or perhaps it would be visiting Aliens (and I am not referring to the usual family get together….) of John Lewis or focussed on FOOD and more FOOD like Waitrose?
No, when I imagine the Sherfield Christmas advert, I see building a longer table, pulling up another chair; a message that ‘less’ can have greater meaning than ‘more’ - less stuff, more meaning. And that ‘some gifts are more than just gifts’ and ‘you can sit at my table’. I see people of all backgrounds and ages laughing, sharing and being kind to each other. Remembering the importance of making memories and bringing joy to others because after all, it is much more difficult to grow-out of a memory than it is to out-grow a Christmas jumper.
So, with that in mind, as we head into the last few weeks of what has been another very busy but extremely successful term, there is real excitement for the prospect of time with family and friends. With a trimmed down Christmas this year, we are presented with a real opportunity to focus on appreciating what really matters. Ultimately, the concept of ‘less is more’ is based on the value of simplicity and that by having less, we can create a life of more. The message that we should all be kinder to one another, show humility and gratitude, and think of others, is one that we should all remember at this time of year.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend sprinkled with a little early Christmas joy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for an excellent term, and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you back in 2022!
Mrs Bouwer, Head of Prep
Senior Leadership Team Blog
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