We attended the last of the three kids' winter concerts on Thursday night. This one was at Graham and Mikayla's school (a British international school), and well, it was actually a Christmas concert, as opposed to the more politically-correct "Winter" concerts held at Wes and Virginia's schools. Funny isn't it that although the Brits aren't typically regarded as especially religious people, they clearly have no qualms about having a full-blown Christmas concert at an elementary school, complete with a nativity scene, angels and Christian Christmas carols. Frankly, it was more like something you'd see at your local Presbyterian church than the typical school "holiday" program, but it was uplifting, refreshing, and sweet.
The event, held anually, is called "Carols by Candlelight," and funds raised during the evening (primarily through the raffle for class baskets) go to support a local school for children with special needs. The program part of the evening was held OUTSIDE on the front steps of the old villa in which the school is located. When I learned that the program would be outside, in the FREEZING weather, I almost had a cow, but I must say that it was bearable, and that the outside location actually made the evening very special; especially when, towards the end, as the kids were singling Silent Night or one of the other classic Christmas carols, snow started to fall. I really and truly felt as though I had been beamed back in time, to an age in which things were simpler, and more innocent.
In between each of the carols, each class did a small skit/presentation. Mikayla had the lead role in the skit that her class presented, and she did a marvelous job! Each of the children in Graham's class talked about how they celebrate Christmas in their respective countries of origin. One of the other little girls in Graham's class is from the U.S., and she introduced Graham and talked about American Christmas traditions, and then Graham was able to participate by saying "Merry Christmas" on his talker. He absolutely LOVED the evening, as he was able to listen to schoolmates sing his favorite songs, while sitting and watching the candles flicker and the snow fall. It really was a magical evening.
The program was followed by a reception with food, mulled wine (delicious!) and hot chocolate. Then came the basket raffle, during which the Richardson family won nothing, despite having purchased six raffle tickets. Oh, well. Here are some photos from the evening:
The event, held anually, is called "Carols by Candlelight," and funds raised during the evening (primarily through the raffle for class baskets) go to support a local school for children with special needs. The program part of the evening was held OUTSIDE on the front steps of the old villa in which the school is located. When I learned that the program would be outside, in the FREEZING weather, I almost had a cow, but I must say that it was bearable, and that the outside location actually made the evening very special; especially when, towards the end, as the kids were singling Silent Night or one of the other classic Christmas carols, snow started to fall. I really and truly felt as though I had been beamed back in time, to an age in which things were simpler, and more innocent.
In between each of the carols, each class did a small skit/presentation. Mikayla had the lead role in the skit that her class presented, and she did a marvelous job! Each of the children in Graham's class talked about how they celebrate Christmas in their respective countries of origin. One of the other little girls in Graham's class is from the U.S., and she introduced Graham and talked about American Christmas traditions, and then Graham was able to participate by saying "Merry Christmas" on his talker. He absolutely LOVED the evening, as he was able to listen to schoolmates sing his favorite songs, while sitting and watching the candles flicker and the snow fall. It really was a magical evening.
The program was followed by a reception with food, mulled wine (delicious!) and hot chocolate. Then came the basket raffle, during which the Richardson family won nothing, despite having purchased six raffle tickets. Oh, well. Here are some photos from the evening:
One of the younger classes dressed up as angels and wisemen
Graham's class doing their presentation on Christmas traditions
Graham -- happy as a lark, and taking it all in!
Mikayla and a classmate during their skit.
Graham's class doing their presentation on Christmas traditions
Graham -- happy as a lark, and taking it all in!
Mikayla and a classmate during their skit.
Mikayla -- the star of her class skit.
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