« Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting,» Thomas Monson
You probably have great plans for this festive season of the year which certainly calls for celebration but this year we took things differentlt and thought : What would make the children happy? Definitely an end of year party!
So it was on: the preparations, the organization, the frequent meetings between volunteers, the decorations. We were all set to make this Christmas party a successful one where both the children and their parents could spent quality time together.
At nine sharp, the parents and their children were already at ELI School to attend the much awaited event. While some volunteers were welcoming the guests, others were helping to prepare the buffet outside.
The children’s laughter, the music playing in the background, the volunteers cheering, all these were conducive to a joyous atmosphere.
Parents present had the opportunity to discover how talented their children were through the many items presented where the children sang, danced and recited their poems.
By ten, the party was already at full swing and everyone was enjoying the snacks being served
Aren’t we forgetting someone? Santa Claus!
Indeed our own personalised Santa did an amazing job and somehow managed to convince the little ones with his beard, his mask and of course the famous HO-HO-HO.
Their eyes were glowing and the only moot point was : Is he the real Santa Claus?
Soon, they were amazed at the dancing skills Santa and his fellow colleagues possessed and everyone clapped.
Dancing and singing certainly makes everyone hungry and by 12 00, the children hurried to the buffet to be served fried rice, freshly prepared by our staff. The delicious meal was a reward to compensate all the energy they have been spending since the morning.
At 13 00, the real magic began when Santa Claus reappeared, but this time, he was not empty-handed and had brought gifts. Everyone rushed to him and were keen to get their gifts. They were engrossed in what Santa was telling them and couldn’t help but smile.
Cheerfulness was everywhere; they were happy and that was all that mattered.
Our Christmas party was a success, but this would not have been possible if we had not collaborated as one team, the ELI Africa team.