It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
- hkitchstewart
- Jun 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Christmas is almost here. It's been a busy month at school. Since November both of my 1st and 2nd graders have been getting ready for their Christmas performances. It began with us learning traditional Christmas songs. The 1st graders learned "Santa Claus is coming to Town" and the 2nd graders rehearsed "Deck the Halls".
I worked with both groups to learn the music and I taught them some crazy dance moves. One of the parents stepped in and really perfected the 1st graders dance. However, I got to work with the Thai teachers and the 2nd graders to make their song and dance. Back in elementary school I was in a performance called Showcase of Stars.. I remembered we had glow in the dark gloves. For some reason I thought if we could get the kids glittery gloves it would look like tinsel and provide a unique flare to the show. Unfortunately, there are no show gloves in Thailand. However, the Thai teachers and parents of my class, got together and made the coolest cardboard mittens, they really looked like Christmas ornaments when we put it all together.
About 3 days before the show, the Thai teachers asked if I would dance with the kids. I was so excited and told them OF COURSE! I thought it would be funny to be a dancing Santa. Santa as a woman is odd, but I think the world is ready (despite what The Office and Trevor say). After talking with my co teachers Joe and Macro, we decided I would be Santa. ....Joe and Marco would be elves. We even were able to borrow some pointy ears from a student. However, the Thai teachers had a different idea and we ended up all being Santa (my costume was the most luxurious) and some how I suckered Joe and Marco into doing the dance with me.
In typical Thailand fashion, the day before the performance the Thai teachers wanted to do a 2 minute dialogue in English. I came up with an elaborate idea but Joe, helped me really edit it down to fit in the 2 minute time frame. Once we got on stage, boy I was glad he did. We all had a lot of fun. Warning for any Santa impersonators.. Santa suits are really HOT especially in south east Asia. Make sure your Santa beard isn't too tight. Mine was cutting off circulation to my face.
Thida, my school, has a massive Christmas fair the Saturday before Christmas. Neca and I went this morning to check it out. The school is raffling off 100's of items. Including two motorbikes and a Iphone 10.. haha Neca was kind enough to buy me two tickets. Even though if I win there is no way I will be able to keep the prize.
In other news I am off of school for the next week. It's in the 90's in Thailand, I am going to a five day yoga retreat at Koh Yao Noi. I can't express how lucky I have been to work at a Catholic school, several of my friends do not have the week off. I am also planning to visit Phuket for a bit. Jovanna and I definitely tried to get into the holiday spirit with decorating her house. Her mother was also in town for two weeks and made the most delicious Serbian pancakes. I've also gotten some really cool gifts from my students for Christmas. A french press coffee maker and COOKIES. My kids know me well.
Last night I went to a Christmas dinner with all the teachers at Smart English, I think we ordered about 7 beer towers but it was a great time. I am so appreciative of all the kind and fun people I have met during this year. AND I made A's in both my graduate classes!
Merry Christmas to ALL!
xo Felicia.
Comments