Arriving right on the heels of the recent Hamara Manch, the spirit of Christmas was explored as a time to accept change, slow down, let go and feel gratitude. Moving into the quieter rhythm of their classroom spaces, children noticed and understood that change is constant.
Children reflected on the year gone by and shared the people, moments and experiences they were thankful for. These thoughts came together in a collective creation called the ‘Sky of Gratitude.’ A manger at the reception area made by the children and didis gave children across grades a chance to pause and touch the quiet spirit of Christmas. The little ones were captivated by stories about the birth of Jesus through a roleplay by didis. Nativity scenes were created in each group using recyclable material. Children connected lovingly with Baby Jesus in their group, “let's talk softly, baby is sleeping, चपु है चदंा... गा सकते हैं।” Making Christmas goodies with dates and dry fruits was another highlight for our children. “मनैं ेबहुत सारी dates में dry fruits stuff कर दिये हैं, अपने लिए और अपनी family के लिए ”.
The essence of gratitude and kindness was delved into through stories and discussions initiated by group didis. It extended into the organisation of a Winter Clothes Donation drive, where children shared their personal winter wear that was donated to Freepathshala to be distributed among children of construction workers.
The festival celebrations unfolded over a warm Christmas experience, where homemade food and sweets prepared in the group, shared stories, singing carols and gentle laughter filled the space. The children experienced that Christmas is not an event to be completed, but a feeling to be lived in reflection, gratitude and togetherness.