Something New

"Having cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus is a new tradition for us at Parkside, right?"  ~Wade

Holiday Poll

Official Holiday Poll:
YES or NO? The mother intended to break the "leg-shaped lamp" when watering the plants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVOOjV_E3s4

                          Pupils say "YES!"
                          And we're out of glue.....                                                          

Our Traditions 2012

"We're lucky!  Can you guess why?  We have an Elf on the Shelf, our very own Christmas spirit.  We call him Rex.  He's been busy in the room decorating --yes all over the place!  See him hiding in the  Christmas tree?  He even wrapped some holiday gifts for us."  ~Mrs. Wells' Third Grade

It's All About Lights

"I like watching all the different lights this time of the year.  My family used to enjoy the display in Mattoon, Illinois, where we lived.  We also go to Olney to see the ones in their park.  There are even a lot of houses in my neighborhood that are lighted up in December.  It's all about the lights!  Seeing the different kinds is a lot of fun.  It feels like Christmas.  Now all we need is some snow, right?"   ~Dorian

Our Traditions 2012

"My family puts up a lamp and it's pretty funny.  It looks like the one in that movie "The Christmas Story."  When it goes up, it feels like Christmas at our house."   ~Katelyn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OMGnRayA_U8

Our Traditions 2012

"Christmas is always the same:  lots of cousins and lots of food!"  ~Louis

Our Traditions 2012

"I love the Christmas parade, are you going?  Oh....I'm on Santa's list of good boys!"   ~Jordan

A Case of Mistaken Identity?

Throughout November many classrooms explored the origins of Thanksgiving.  During one such lesson, a child excitedly raised his hand to respond to the teacher's question, "Does anyone know something they could share about the great Indian Chief, Massasoit?"  He proudly exclaimed, "Yes, yes, I've got this one!  He was that famous guy who died.  But then, guess what? 
Three days later he came back to life." 

Our Traditions 2012

"On Christmas morning our family has a special red, round ornament that helps us decide just who gets to open up the first present.  It's hidden somewhere on the holiday tree but no one knows just where it will be. On December 25th we all hurry into the living room where the presents and tree are, looking among the branches.  Someone finally spots our red ornament.  Hooray!  I may be the lucky person who's able to open the first gift this year."   ~Justin

Our Traditions 2012

"During this time of the year my Oma spends special time with us.  Oma is German for grandmother. She lives in Illinois but leaves her home here and goes south for the cold, winter months.  She's what some people call a snowbird.  Last week she was with us and we celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time.  I loved it!  We decorated a little for each holiday, had a lot of delicious food, time together, and opened gifts.  I'll miss Oma when she's gone but I know she will be back again in the spring.  Do you know any snowbirds?"    ~Megan

Our Christmas Traditions 2012

"At the holidays we visit our grandparent's house and celebrate Christmas together.  Every year there is a special, wrapped mystery gift.  It's passed around and around for a good look!  We see check out the size and shape, the weight,  and everyone tries to guess what's inside. Whoever guesses correctly is awarded "The Santa Trophy."  The winner gets to keep the present and it's their job to buy the mystery gift for our next Christmas gathering.  Our grandma came up with the idea for this and we love it." 
                                                                                                         ~Alexia and Sydney

Our Christmas Traditions 2012

"At our house, we like having holiday decorations.  After Thanksgiving day we put up a candle in each window.  They are lighted now and people can see them when you drive by.  Next we will put up the Christmas tree and decorate it.  I love doing that!"  ~Haley