Bartholomew Cubbins was on to something

Downton Abbey episodes showing on the TV

Staff wearing their mom's and grandma's hats

Paper plate hats

What do these 3 things have in common?

Hats!

It's surprising how many more customers talk to you when you wear a funny hat

Crafts with grandparents or nannies

We get lots of regulars.  There are some nannies that come in daily, and it's nice to give them a little something new to do.  Since many are from the Phillipines, we made a display of new Pilipino material.  They also loved this drop in craft to make Christmas ornaments.  One girl insisted that she give her ornament to her favourite storyteller to add to the branch tree.

During the Christmas break, a lot of grandparents show up with their grandchildren in tow.  They've been enlisted to help babysit during school holidays.  We timed this craft to help them out.  We also put up a display of books and DVDs labelled "Books and DVDs to help you survive babysiting the grandkids"  We had to fill it hourly!

Now that we survived the Christmas rush, I'm feeling a little more relaxed, just like the grandparents.  That is, until February teachers' convention holidays start....