seasons greetings

It's been a long time since my last entry, and I've been racking my mind to find the interesting details that could capture the audience...
Last week was my final week of school before heading back to California for the holidays. The school, while living in a country that also celebrates Christmas, has a mixed display of the celebration. While singing traditional carols like "Deck the Halls" and "Jingle Bell Rock," both the carols themselves as well as the Christmas crafts turn into little assembly line creations stripped of originality and fun. The children were asked to sing their carols 45 minutes straight in order to perfect it for the last day of school where the levels are singing together in a final presentation. I will not be there to witness the final product, but I can assure you that there are at least four 11 year old boys in class 6C who can rock "Deck the Halls," even at the highest "fa la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la" notes.

In my nursery school hours, we spent our time singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" and making popsicle stick snowmen as well as reading the Nutcracker. The kids loved it, were jolly and merry. They caught the holiday spirit whether they wanted to or not! (my guess is that they wanted to, though) And to put the frosting on the Christmas cookies, my American counterpart and I were showered in hugs, kisses and Christmas greetings from the 3, 4, and 5 year olds before heading out across the seas. If I don't end up long-term in Spain, I will always crave all the love that the little Spanish kids happily give away (and the adults happily accept!).

Now we're back on the other side of the pond, enjoying the "sunny California" rain. Our stockings are hung, the crochetted nativity is on the mantel and the ornaments adorn the tree. This week's agenda guarantees joyous celebrations: gingerbread cookie houses and trains, wine tasting, turkey dinner, and family game night. While little Spanish tot love is rewarding, there is nothing like being cozy and warm in our Chico abode.