what is christmas

Obi-1 was recently asked to write an article for the school newspaper. The topic is "winter holidays," and other students are writing about Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and possibly some Chinese holiday. Given that it's a public school, they're trying to keep things pretty equal. Go figure the principal would ask a kindergartner to think about the Christmas piece!

Let me just say that Christmas is a complicated holiday in some ways. Since having children, Mr. Kenobi & I have tried to keep a focus on the incarnation of Christ in Christmas - remembering that God chose to come to us, that He gave Himself as an extravagant gift, and that His presence is not limited to a season or holiday. In past years, we've used resources from Advent Conspiracy to help focus us and remind us of the true reason we celebrate.

This said, we (or at least I) also enjoy "Christmas" carols & music (including the ever-popular Elvis rendition of White Christmas), all things cookie, and the joy of sales - er, gift-giving - of this time of year. I also think that the magic and imagination of Santa Claus and his little elves are good fun, as well as impetus for excellent manners while out in public. Frankly, I don't mind a bit of help in having fun or keeping the troops in line! All to say that I enjoy the holiday season, but we try not to let Santa and gifts become the focus of our December.

Anyway, Obi-1 set out to write on the subject, "What is Christmas?" In listening to his ideas and talking through things with him, I was struck by how hard it was to succinctly explain this holiday to the general public of our city (or anywhere). If asked, what would I say? What would I leave out? What makes sense for put in a public elementary school newspaper? (It feels like Charlie Brown music should be playing in the background...)

So, I helped him think through all of his ideas, but I wasn’t here for the composition. I got home from a meeting tonight to find the following short article hand-written on a piece of paper. I had promised to type it for him if he wrote it by hand, so I did that and sent it over to the principal. The newsletter is supposed to be published later this week, and I don't know what or how will be included. While I'd love to take credit, it's definitely with his own perspective and writing on the topic. It's also much more brief than my little write-up here!

If you’re up for the challenge, write your own and send it my way or link it in comments... What is Christmas?

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Christmas
by Obi-1 Kenobi, Kindergarten

I like Christmas. Not just like Christmas. I love Christmas. It’s special because it’s Jesus’ birthday. It’s also (my friend) Rafael’s birthday. Our family celebrates it together. My Daddy sings special songs with us at night. We give presents to show people love. Christmas day is always on December 25. It’s about God’s gift to the world. If you want presents, give Santa cookies.
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Merry Christmas!

Love, MamaToo