Reasons I love Christmas:
- Almost everyone is full of holiday cheer
- Christmas music & movies
- An excuse to go shopping and spend money
- Christmas lights make houses look so pretty, warm, & cozy
- Family comes home and gathers around a delicious meal complimented with baked goods afterward
- Buying gifts for someone special and seeing their face after they open it
- I would go on, but I can't even explain why it makes me so happy
The most magical part hit me when I was in my last classroom for the day. This 3rd grade class is considered a "self-contained" class. That means the kids who are in the class have behavioral and/or emotional issues. The class is about 12 kids and usually chaotic (in a good way). The teacher is the sweetest woman ever and her aide is a tough guy with a big heart for each student. Together they work to create a special and very unique family where every person looks out for one another, even if on most days profanity is being shouted from one student to the next, fits are being thrown and lockers are being hit, students are threatening one another's lives, etc. If one outsider tries to come in and join the class, the others are cautious and will do anything to that child if he/she threatens the teacher or anyone else in the class. It's a very weird dynamic, yet so special and amazing to witness. Most of these kids have one parent households, have grown up in foster care, come to school with bugs, bruises, burns, you name it. To sum it up, these kids have very little things or people who appreciate them.
So, every year their teacher asks the students to make a list of toys they'd like for under $10. This year she had the kids look up toys online and write it down. So, yesterday was the Christmas party. The students first watched a video of themselves set to music that the teacher's aide had made of the kids. This video included voice overs of each student and their feelings, and also photos of themselves and staff who have had a meaningful interaction with them throughout the year. Next, was present time. Everyone moved their chairs into a circle and was out of control with excitement. The teacher called each student's name one by one and handed him/her the present. Every child watched as the wrapping paper was torn off and the biggest smile ever was revealed. There was one student in particular who made me cry. She is a girl whose clothes are always to small, who has a big heart along with a big attitude, and who doesn't seem to get much attention or love at home. She opened her gift, moon sand, and immediately ran over to the teacher and embraced her. This hug was the biggest hug I have ever seen a child give. The teacher told her how much she loved her and wished her a Merry Christmas. The girl continued to latch on with the biggest smile and would not move. This site brought myself, my coworker, and the teacher to tears. Seeing how happy she was and feeling the love in that room really hit me. I have so much to be thankful for, why do I always long for more when there are young kids out there who might not have a safe home to go to, who are never told or shown that they are loved, or who are constantly acting out just to hope that someone will notice them.
I want to wish you all a very special holiday season and remind you to show those in our life how much you appreciate them and reach out for those who might be seeking your attention. You never know what story they might have to share with you and how much you could mean to that person. Merry Christmas everyone and safe travels! I love you all, peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment