So, I have 5 amazing children who are doing a performance of Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Joy, Joy, Joy!
This is where the spirit of the season is…let me tell you
1. The kids have come to practically every rehearsal (I tried to keep them reasonable). I am amazed at their commitment
2. The kids have synergy! We have played all sorts of games and learned all kinds of theater skills, and they are definitely in tune with each other
3. Each child is unique! Coming from 4 different families, representing broad socio-economic and cultural perspectives it is a joy to see how representative of the community these kids are…(we have a half Hispanic-Half African-American Child, an adopted Asian Child and Three Caucasian children all from different types of homes)
4. They (almost) know their lines, and we are 3 weeks from the actual performance
5. They LOVE rehearsing “Can we do it again?” “Can we sing more?” “What else are we going to add?” are just some of their questions. They seem to ALWAYS have fun.
6. They are helping with everything! Devoting time to drawing pictures, creating bios and planning the party, each kid is committed to help out.
Last time I did a Charlie Brown Christmas–the adults performed it to 150 people, with squirmy children, a group home and many community members in attendance. It was a huge success, we collected a cartload (well really a pickup truck load) of nonperishable food (the price of admission)…That we have now asked the boys scouts to help us out, in case this year is as good (or better) a success….
But I have to say…this play is already a success, no matter how many people come, no matter how many shelter goods we collect, the kids are coming together and doing Christmas…Being Christmassed together
In the midst of worry about the future (protests re: Ferguson & NYC come to mind), these children Incarnate the HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE of the season! They are my human Advent Wreath, bringing their warmth and light of the season home. Its amazing how a Christmas Play can bring Jesus home.
katyandtheword 