“Do you have an advent calendar, Mr Hammond?” This lunchtime question ignited a pretty serious debate about why we give presents, the true meaning of Christmas, and how much the children at Lyonsdown have to be grateful for.
The honest answer is that my advent calendar has been the same for over a decade (“the actual same physical calendar?”), which proves that the gifts one holds dearest are those that have the most meaning, and not which are the best toys or chocolate. Maybe age provides this perspective, but the conversation over what children like to find behind the small cardboard window, demonstrated that many Lyonsdown children firmly believe this too – the shoebox appeal, coat charity and various other generous endeavours were all given as the best examples of “presents.”
If stories of kindness around Christmas does not warm your heart, then anyone who saw our Lower School Nativity, Lights, Camel, Action would agree that watching children throw themselves into this time of year is the most wonderful occasion. Singing, dancing and acting were all delivered with trademark Lyonsdown enthusiasm and even parents joined in, with a group dance at the end. A big thank you and well done to everyone who was involved in making the performances such a success. All fabulous stuff that was rewarded with a short “review” in Time Out!
The School Nativity is but a starter in the festive feast that is the last week of the Autumn Term at Lyonsdown. Do check the calendar, and social media for full details, and any emails for full details of all things Christmassy (I have checked; this is in the dictionary), but according to one member of Year 5, the best way to remember, is in the following useful summary, which I include verbatim:
“It’s the Carol Service on Tuesday, then Christmas Lunch (remember to wear your Christmas jumper, everyone) on Wednesday, oh and Santa might visit the School. After that, the Scavenger Hunt is on Thursday afternoon and we go home early on Friday… do we get crackers at the Christmas lunch?”
The children are full of Christmas spirit and excitement, so full steam ahead for the final week of term.
All the best for a relaxing weekend.
Mr Hammond