Monday 1 December 2014

Christmas is coming

The Season of art 

                               
Christmas at school is always a very special time.  It provides an opportunity to leave everyday routines behind and just have fun.  The spirit of fun and joy infuses everything and is rooted in the joy of the season itself. The question becomes , how do we translate this for the children, and how do we make this a special time which reflects our love for each other.

As we hit the first of November we allow ourselves to dust off the Christmas music and get it going in the morning.  Having broken out the Christmas songs, we can get started on the decorations and planning the performance for the Christmas Party.  This year we have decided to return to a more traditional nativity play after a couple of years of rather raucous Jamaican grand markets and jonkonoo happenings.  Our celebration always finishes with Santa, and this year, as always, our children have been “nice”, so there will be something in Santa's bag for each one of them (thanks to the “Dad” who has become our Santa Helper. )
Santa arrives last year
It is sweet to see the children's faces light up when Santa arrives with his elves. He bends down to each wheelchair or chair and hands each one something special.  Our volunteers, who bring so much to our school, arrive in the Christmas spirit in November to begin the celebratory work.  Marcia Thwaites (aka Grandma) takes charge as producer and choir master . The children become very excited each time Grandma Thwaites arrives because it means no matter their ability to sing, their attempts are celebrated  and there will be fun days of practices ahead.  For Grandma, they will work tirelessly and joyfully to make their "voices" heard.  This year “Auntie Suzie” (Suzanne Mahfood Beck) has a group of our dancers rehearsing a dance to "O Holy Night."  Through the years we have learned that certain members of staff have hidden theatrical talents, and even though we will be in Bethlehem, a certain little mosquito and her tidings of no joy will make an appearance.  A part is found for each child and rehearsals are enjoyed over and over again. 

Everyone is involved in creating

In keeping with our belief that each child’s effort is valuable, decorations are mostly handmade by them.  Paint, glitter and glue abound.  Salt dough ornament production is enjoyed as much by the adults as the children.  Messy is OK – the process is to be enjoyed. 
Auntie Leslie's salt dough candle holder made by the children last year

While all the preparations which centre on the children are ongoing, there is another more serious side to Christmas at S.T.E.P.  This is our busiest fund raising time with the sale of our Christmas Cards in full swing.  Tables and spaces are taken over and persons co-opted to call prospective customers, count and pack cards and make deliveries.  The busier the card centre the better.  Note the cards here on our page to the right and give us a call or an e-mail to purchase these wonders and support our school. ($100 each) (thestepcentre@yahoo.com)
  
At heart , we return to celebrating the birth of the baby whose message of peace and love for all, especially for the most vulnerable remains, with us.  It has been a difficult term at the school, but we have received much and are grateful in return.  


May we wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and joy.  Once again we remind you that you are welcome to come and see the "Joy in action" of each of our children sharing their special blessings  for the holiday in their Christmas celebration and production. 

December 17th 9:30 AM at the school at 4 Tremaine Rd. Please call us to let us know you are coming , so we can be prepared with enough chairs. (946-3611)    

For each one of our faithful supporters and readers we wish for you the love of the people who surround you and make your life rich. Though times get busy and "balance sheets" stretch thin, remember that joy will find you if you but open your heart to receive it. As our children know, it isn't about your ability to keep up or have much, but to do whatever is within your abilities. Recognize the moments when you are surrounded by a celebration of spirit, and accepted by folks who love you...... just the way you are!!!!    


Merry Christmas from the Tropics 

                                       Post written by Hillary Sherlock