Global celebration

Suzie Harrison

The many sides of the holidays have been the subject of study for

first-graders at Top of the World Elementary School.

“It’s been fun learning what they do for the holidays,” Camille

Arredondo, 6, said. “I learned about decorating a tree, and for

Hanukkah they spin a dreidel.”

Before Hanukkah, the students in Margaret Arnold’s class learned

about lighting the menorah, playing dreidel and a variety of

traditions that surround the holiday, while for Christmas the

students learned about Santa Claus and other related happenings.

“I’ve learned that you can play dreidel,” Maddie Nelson, 6, said.

“And Santa Claus gives toys to kids and he gives stuff to grown-ups.”

As a part of their Christmas lesson, the students performed a

classic piece of literature, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

“We practiced for seven days,” Taylor Davidson, 6, said. “I have

learned that the holidays are all fun, and Santa is really nice, even

if you’re bad. I liked it when we all said Merry Christmas.”

Two children stood up and started the production, saying their

lines, as the other kids sat around them cross-legged, waiting in

anticipation for it to be their turn to stand up and say their part.

“It was really good, it felt good,” Travis said.

Standing up with smiles and excitement, each student performed

with their own style. Some read from a script quickly, others slowly,

and others were animated and spoke with a loud, confident voice.

“I liked speaking, talking like the hurricane part,” Brett

Dunlavey, 7, said. I learned that for Jewish holidays that you get

presents everyday for Hanukkah.”

For the finale, they all stood up together and in unison said the

classic line “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

They then introduced themselves and thanked the audience for

coming to their play by singing a song they created, a song

expressing their thanks to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry

Christmas.”

The audience of parents was appreciative, giving several rounds of

applause before hugging all the young actors.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321 or [email protected].