its beginning to look a lot like christmas

On my way to the Christmas show this evening, I stopped at Jorge’s house. Jorge just got his appendix out and recently recovered from ringworm. When I arrived outside his house, the normally energetic six-year old was sitting on one of the few chairs in their house watching Barney. He didn’t have the strength to get up, but the smile on his face was worth a thousand words. I sat with him, talked about how the kids missed him and how we would miss him tonight at the show. He began to cry. He wanted to come, no, he was going to come with me to the show. Heading off to the show was one of the hardest goodbyes I have had in a while.

I arrived at the school, just a brief walk down the street from Jorge’s little house, to find a monton of students and parents all over the school yard. The stage was set up in the hallway, decked out with curtains and a big Santa. The show was filled with Rudolph and Santa on the housetop, plays written about elves and gift-giving. And of course, there was a big finale of Noah’s ark for those not celebrating Christmas. (The rain sounds effects were unbelievable) My first graders gave excellent renditions of Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, as well as providing the fa-la-la-la-la accompaniment to Deck the Halls, sung my Miss Emily’s fifth graders. Decked out in their Santa hats and pretty shirts, their energy was contagious. I found myself singing along to every song and enjoying every minute of the program.

It is hard for it to feel like Christmas in a tropical climate (as well as being away from many friends and family), but tonight truly affirmed the Christmas season. I talked to parents, met brothers and sisters, shared hugs and season greetings. Everyone was enjoying the event, all the work put into the show and the contagious Christmas spirit of the children.

Jorge will be resting over Christmas vacation. Some of my students will be watching movies about snow, a phenomenon they have never seen, yet still associate with the holiday. Others may be playing with the one toy they receive for Christmas and appreciating every minute of it. And I will be reflecting. Reflecting on the past four incredible months that have forever changed me. I will be wondering whether my students will remember English when we return in January. I’ll be thinking about the joys and challenges of teaching and what fun games I need to bring back with me. But mostly, I know I will be missing my children and the love, hugs and friendship they have shared with me.

happy holidays to all!