***This article was written by Addison Anderson, a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
“Christmas Around the World” is a celebration hosted by the Wethersfield second grade classes each year. This year, it was hosted by Tara Woller and Tonya Vincent’s classrooms.
These festivities are held annually in the school cafeteria.
The holiday project has been ongoing for around 15 years straight, started by former second grade teacher, Mary Alepra.
She held Christmas Around the World in the classroom for two years before Vincent joined in.
The celebration allows students to enjoy foods and cultural history surrounding Christmas around the globe. The second-grade students made a short slide presentation and a posterboard about their country’s Christmas traditions.
Each kid talks to their parents about their ancestors and then does research for their displays.
In addition, the students bring food from their countries and even dress as someone from their country might. Their presentations, food, plus research help children and their families get into the Christmas spirit the same way their ancestors did many years ago.
