As Christmas nears, many are busy with last-minute shopping, decorating and preparations for the holiday 鈥� at least, those who celebrate the Dec. 25 tradition.
The festive season can mean very different things to different people, and in 性视界传媒 Wednesday (Dec. 18), exactly one week before Christmas, a Grade 2/3 split class at Woodland Park Elementary in 性视界传媒 graciously took the time to share their thoughts on the upcoming holiday.
Settled onto the classroom's carpeted area, students pondered what Christmas means to them.
"It's God's birthday ... Jesus' birthday," Reya piped up.
Then, after thinking a bit more, "It's actually about family and friends," she amended.
"I celebrate Christmas for two reasons. Number one is the presents, and number two is the beautiful Christmas lights," shared Ronin.
Jonah said his family always gets together at Christmastime, a tradition many of his classmates also do with their families.
"I like putting the Christmas tree up and putting ornaments on the Christmas tree 鈥� including the star 鈥� and getting presents," said Ravnoor.
Exchanging presents, Santa, the birth of Baby Jesus and gathering with family and friends were all common answers, with many also sharing their favourite things to do during the holiday season, such as decorating the family Christmas tree, colouring snowmen, and baking Christmas treats.
When asked what they wanted for Christmas, the class grew animated.
From Pokemon cards, Lego, Bakugan and ski equipment to a Cinnamoroll backpack, "all of the" Sanrio stuffies, video games, VR (virtual reality) headsets and an art kit, they happily shared what they hope Santa will bring on Wednesday (Dec. 25).
"I want a nail machine. And I'd also like my own personal blanket," Duchess contributed.
"I want a puppy!" declared Han.
"I want my family to be happy for Christmas," Ronin said.
Students also shared that they liked to celebrate other holidays, such as Easter, birthdays, Diwali, and also, "April Fool's Day because my birthday's in April."
Teacher Jennifer Calbick guided the class through the proper process to answer questions, with impressive patience, kindness and understanding for her young charges, who were excited about the visitor and the topic.
They spoke about where Santa lives, and who their favourite reindeer is, as well as favourite holiday songs, which included Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, and Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You.
Rudolph, was of course, one of the favourites for Santa's reindeer, "because he has a shiny nose."
"Blitzen! Because he is so strong," said one student, and "Vixen 鈥� because he's fast," from another.
As the students chatted excitedly about Christmas and their plans for the holidays, Calbick calmly set them on a new task in the neatly organized classroom, which featured a Christmas tree and homemade decorations, as well as students' art work.
