They say that Christmas is no fun unless viewed through the eyes of a child. I say that seeing Xmas through the eyes of a bunch of international students is almost as good. What a great bunch of kids we have in our district this year -- all 75 of them. They love learning about Canadian culture and customs. And for some, especially the Asians, Christmas is not something they've experienced other than on a very small scale.
We spent 5 hours this past Saturday at MicMac Mall where the students were supposed to be shopping for their host families. (I'm not sure many of us wear American Eagle or Hollister!!! But I also saw a few bags from The Body Shop and Homesense.)
It was nice day for everyone -- students and chaperones -- to just let them loose to wander and meet other friends who live in Halifax. I ate a Laura Secord ice cream with my co-ordinator and spent at least an hour at Starbucks chatting with the other chaperones.
At 4 pm, we headed across the bridge to Halifax to stake out a spot for the annual Xmas parade. Again, they had an hour or so to wander downtown Halifax which has a lovely street-shopping vibe. Some of us bought flashing Rudolph noses ........ and some of us needed instructions on how to wear them!
 |
| Each time a marching band or musical float went by, the Latino students went wild; they sang and danced. Each time a group of pretty majorettes went by, a couple of the Korean boys hooted and hollered louder than usual ... and then they'd look around and notice others noticing them & they'd blush. |
 |
| There were husky dogs adorned with Xmas lights pulling sleighs; policemen on horses also draped with lights; a couple of Grinches handing out high-fives; wonderfully dressed jesters; Shriners and angels and snowmen and trees and so on and so on. |
Some of the less appropriately dressed students longed for Santa to come. Minus 3 degree next to the Halifax Harbour makes for minus 13 degree temperatures, so tights, shorts and fleece hoodies don't really cut it!
You'd think they'd sleep on the 1.5 hour drive home. No! There was singing competitions between the front and the back .... with a couple of "Shut Up"s yelled out from the vastly out-numbered sleepy kids in the middle.
Ahhhh, out of the mouths of babes!
6 comments:
Sounds like you had as much fun as the kids. I loved your pictures.
How lovely! What wonderful memories you are helping those kids create!
What a wonderful time you all had...and did I see snow there??? Our Christmas parade comes on Thursday when we celebrate Thanksgiving. I watch it on TV while making dinner.
Oh I agree...seeing Christmas through their eyes would be a delight.
We went caroling at an Internationals home one year...they were delighted and didn't know what we were doing, they got so excited they came out of the house and joined in our singing..I was so blessed.
What a lovely night you all had. I laughed at the description of the antics of the latino students. I used to live near an international school and would take the bus with numerous latino students. They always seemed to be singing at the top of their lungs most rides. Music is obviously a big deal for them.
Haha! What a great post! I miss Halifax...it is such a fun city! I laughed at the Hollister/American Eagle comment....teenagers!! lol! You are so lucky to be able to share this experience with them! Angie xo
Post a Comment