“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone,” Charles M. Schulz.
You probably had a great time for Christmas, with friends and family, laughing and enjoying the festive season. Here, at ELI Africa, we took things the other way round. This year, we decided, “why not take on some additional hard work this December to make children happy?” So, it was on; preparation, organization, and some help. At the end, with the collaboration of CIM Finance, we had it – our Christmas party for all the children of ELI Africa was held on the 7th of December 2017 at the ELI School of Bambous.
“HO – HO – HO”
9 A. M. One hour before our much awaited event and a busy atmosphere prevailed at the ELI School of Bambous. Yet, everyone was very excited. Volunteers, as well as the members of CIM Finance decorated the place. The clowns and all the other entertainers (Mini Mouse had to make herself look cute!) were getting ready. The caterers were organizing a magical buffet for the children: what could be more magical than a chocolate fountain? Magicians, of course, who prepared for their show!
10 A. M. The kids are here and the clowns are ready. It could only mean that the party had started. They quickly got their face painting done, eager to sing and dance with the clowns. In the meanwhile, adults took some time to admire all the creative Christmas decorations made by the children. A lovely Christmas Crib stood by the Christmas tree. Inside, adorable figurines of Jesus and his family was made of clay. Christmas pendants were made of Cardboard and decorated using colored pencils. There were also funny little objects like “Santa being stuck in a chimney upside down” and so on. One lady even told us: “These are wonderful! I can’t believe these kids did them.” Indeed, given the right opportunity, these kids can surprise anybody!
11.30 A. M. Dancing makes anybody hungry. All the kids hurried to the buffet for a delicious meal – a reward for all the energy they have been spending since the morning. They ate quickly for three reasons:
- The party would continue.
- Dessert was appealing.
- The magician would start his show soon!
They could not resist the brochette of marshmallows and pineapples which only waited to be dipped in the chocolate fountain: Delightful!
1 P. M. The real magic occurred. The children stopped dancing and listened attentively to what the clowns were saying. The latter talked about the importance of being good and how it is rewarded at Christmas at the end of the year.
Engrossed in what they were being told, the kids did not notice the gradual change in music to a more Christmassy one. They did not even see Santa Clause walk in through the back door. The surprise was on point!
Suddenly, “HO – HO – HO!”
Quickly, they all turned around and hurried to surround Santa. The look on their faces was the cutest ever: happy, but, bewildered as well. Their eyes were glowing while they sat down agape. Clearly, they were uncertain of whether all of this was real.
I remember Bradley, a five-year-old, asking me: “Is it the real Santa?”
To which I could only say: “Yes, it is!”
Still finding it surreal, he continued: “But where did he come from?”
“This is the real Santa,” I told him, “he appears from magically when children are well behaved.”
Our Santa was indeed convincing. He had all it took: the costume, the long white beard, the same toned voice and the big red bag with gifts in it!
2 P. M. With happy faces everywhere: that’s how the day ended. Santa, the clowns, the magicians and all the other entertainers stayed to wave the children good bye while the latter made their way towards the bus. They held their gifts and all the other delicacies they got tightly. Cheerfulness was written all other their faces. They were happy and that’s what mattered!
Our ELI Africa Christmas Party was successful and it would not have been possible without the generous help of CIM Finance and its member, as well as that of all our amazing volunteers. It was a day well spent and there could not have been a better way to celebrate Christmas. ELI Africa did great one more time!
