I could still remember... Years ago, when I used to teach in the local Singapore preschool, there wasn't really much focus on Christmas. Maybe because over there, the month of December is the children's school holiday, and for those in childcare, it means non-academic programmes for them... more art and craft activities, music and movement, and free-play time. We do put up Christmas decor and expose children to the songs, but it wasn't much elaborated on as compared to Chinese New Year.
Over here in the US, things are similar to those times when I work in the international school. With Christmas being the main festival celebrated, you can imagine how much effort was put in when Christmas was around the corner. Students did craft work, which served as a gift for their parents and there were lots of singing practises before the parents actually came for the mini Christmas concert held in school.
With my two kids attending the local preschool here, I could really feel the Christmas spirit going around. They have been singing jingles, and they get all excited when familiar Christmas songs go on air on 99.9KEZ. Nana has also been dancing to it!
Anyway, they came back from school with these beautiful Christmas crafts... I love the ornaments the best. Nana could even describe how it was done, firstly by dipping her cute little hand on a plate of white paint, and then holding on tight to the ornament so that her hand print will be left on it. I find the quote attached to it very meaningful... It goes like this:"This is my hand, my hand will do
a 1000 loving things for you.
Years will go by, but don't be sad
Know in my heart I love you mom & dad."
