Dear Family Room members and customers, You know The Family Room as a children's activity center and indoor playground with multiple locations. But to us, it functions like a community space and second/third space for our customers—the parents, nannies, grandparents, and caregivers across the neighborhood. We are closed today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) for the Thanksgiving holiday. I know that we are a "home away from home" for many of you, so I don't take closing our business lightly. We are using this time to ensure our employees can reconnect with their families, I (the owner) can reconnect with mine, and we can all do some vital December planning. We sincerely hope that our families and customers find a quiet place and a piece of gratitude on Thanksgiving and Friday. Some "Words of Wisdom" for the Grownups Holidays are incredibly stressful. The pressures of business and the traditions we have created or absorbed often add to that feeling. As your designated Family Room owner—and someone who deeply cares for you all and your children—I want to leave you, the grownups, with some of our key lessons to remember for yourself this weekend: It's okay to say no (and "no thank you"). This applies especially to other adults, but to children as well. Setting boundaries is healthy. It is okay to take a break and reset. The term "time out" has become punitive, so reframe it: this is a healthy reset break. You are an adult, and you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. You don't have to make a turkey, you don't have to clean all the dishes, and you don't have to dress up. The holiday is supposed to be about bringing you together. If what you are doing is not doing that, then don't do it. TV is okay. Shared viewing on a big screen is fine. Tablets and phones? Very isolating. Overwhelmed? Try yoga with your kids and big candle breaths. Do it with them! Say, "Mom/Dad is super overwhelmed. Can you help me calm down? Can we do yoga stretches together or birthday candle breaths?" Bring them along for your journey. Yesterday and tomorrow are truly nonexistent. Focus on you and your joy right now. Finding the Warmth The reason we created The Family Room is for all these reasons. Finally, end your night by asking yourself: What gave me warmth today? What filled me up inside and made me feel warm? Your joy is your children's joy. Family Room is a place for children, yes, and it is also a place for adults to find joy and model it for our children. That is the real beauty in all this. We only need each other. You all are my joy. I have never felt so much warmth, fullness, gratitude, and love than I have over the last 11 months, and I am deeply thankful for each of you. I cannot wait to see you all in a few days and hear about your messy, hilarious holidays. From our Families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Kimberly Brown