Sing-a-long and Christmas Class Party

Yesterday was Amelia's last day of school before Christmas break, which meant it was Christmas Party day.  All the kids assembled in the gym in the morning for a sing-a-long. It is an annual tradition and parents were welcome to come and watch but space was tight.

The Kindergartners were up first with their Jingle Bell Dance:

After each grade presented one song, the entire school performed "Have a swinging holiday":

Then, all the classes headed back to their rooms for their Christmas parties. The children were so excited about the delicious foods, their gift exchange and the fact that Christmas Day is only a few days away, so the noise level in the room was deafening. Elliot felt like one of the kindergartners:

Time for the gift exchange. Each student was asked to bring in a new, wrapped board game. While Ms. Wyatt read them a book, they passed the game to the next person. Once the story ended, each child was allowed to unwrap the gift in their lap.

And then came a surprise visitor: Santa himself.

All the children also received a small puzzle from their teacher as well as a new book from the literacy council before each getting their stocking. Every day of the month the students showed good behavior, one treat was added to their stocking. It seems, that all of them were very good students because those stockings were filled to the rim. 

What an exciting and fun morning at school it was. And now, my little girl is off for 2 weeks for Christmas break. I'm looking forward to spending some relaxing mornings at home with the kids and not to have to rush before or after school. We have no plans and will take it easy and enjoy our time together. 

Kisses for all:

After Derrick got off work, we all went to visit a very pretty and popular light display south of Nashville. The owner of the house is doing this for the 34th year and in memory of his son, who loved Christmas lights. Unfortunately, it will be the last year that he has decorated all 8 houses in the neighborhood and the last time of the mega light display. So we were happy to stop by and look at over 135,000 lights and 400 figurines this year and thank the owner for doing this for the community. It was truly magical. 

 Even Santa comes by the week before Christmas and talks to each child and hands him a candy cane:

Only a few more days left till Christmas Day and the excitement is growing in our house. The kids so look forward to see what Santa will bring them and their joy is continuous. Till then, we will watch more Christmas movies, bake more cookies and hopefully kick this cold to the curb.