It's hard to believe that December is already here. As always, it seems that starting from October, the days are overflowing with things to do, things to buy, to wrap, something to remember, staying on top of the things around the clock. The pressure, the fast pace, the demands, the expectations and excitement. Every little thing is building up till the Christmas and then... It is over way too fast. Does it mean that we are all grown up now? Has it always been like that?

No, of course, it hasn't been like that always. When we were kids, the Christmas excitement had different colors and textures. It smelled like sweets right from the beginning of December. There is this special day in Polish calendar, December 6, which is St. Nicolas Day. Sometime over night, Santa visits every kid leaving small gifts in shoes, under the pillow, in coat pockets. Every family has it's own tradition about this day and it is kind of official opening of the Christmas season. Whenever possible, our school ties some Polish customs with American tradition. For year now, we have been organizing the Meeting with Santa for Polish kids from DFW area. It is very important day in our school calendar. Day, which requires all hands on deck to prepare, organize and run the show every year. But it is all worth the effort. Seeing as another young generation hardly can wait till the Santa arrives, feeling the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation make us all smile a little bigger smiles. It is our small rock in the garden of great childhood memories for each and every one of our students.

(c) E. Zydorek

We all had a great time this year dancing with Jagoda of "Jagoda" Polish Folk Dance assemble, and singing while waiting for Santa. And when he finally arrived, the room exploded with joy and happiness. There was a great gift for every child in the Santa's sleight.

But the Santa's visit was not the only one attraction for our guests this day. We run a special Holiday Bazaar for those last minute Christmas shopping. There were home made breads and sweets, decorations, books, jewelry and much more to buy. Hand made crafts and decorations with kids' hand prints were made on spot and would find their way to the Grandparents all over the world as the sweetest, most precious Christmas gift. It was a very busy day at the market, one could say. All the proceeds from the Bazaar will support the school budget.

Big THANK YOU for all of our helpers! Our parents, teachers, friends, who helped to prepare and run the show. We wouldn't be able to do it without you all.
A.W.