The Worth County Elementary Christmas Concert showcased what students learned about Christmas and related holiday celebrations around the world. Students learned about the roots of Christmas traditions such as ringing bells, different names for Santa Claus around the world, Hanukkah (a Jewish celebration), and Christmas songs in Spanish and Hawaiian. For instance, the Hawaiian version of Santa Claus wears swim trunks and goes around in bare feet.
Bells had been used in ancient times to ward off evil spirits before Christmas had been thought up. During the long dark days of winter, people in those times believed that there were evil spirits lurking around throughout the night. Candles, another frequent fixture in Christmas, were placed in windows during winter nights to guide travelers back during ancient times. Hanukkah was celebrated following the dedication of the 2nd Jewish Temple as the people rededicated themselves to keeping the Jewish law following their return from exile.
Some of the songs were borrowed from the upcoming "Yes, Virginia" musical that will be performed Friday at the Worth County School.
Around the world, students learned that people and families all celebrate Christmas a little differently. Students studied some of these differences.
The concert was directed by Alysa Kramer. Preschool and Kindergarten classes sang "Season of Bells" and "A Kitty for a Present." The first graders sang "Merry Merry Joy Joy" and "Kindled by the Flame." The first and second graders sang "Fa La La Fugue." Second graders sang "Christmas Tree, What will you be" and "Celebramos Juntos." The third graders sang "Demos Gracias" and a Celtic version of "Over the River." The third and fourth graders sang "A Broadway Carol." The fourth graders sang "First Day of Winter" about the Winter Solstice that happens on December 21st. The 5th graders sang "A Hawaiian Christmas." The 5th and 6th graders sang "Santa by the Book," with Keelin Engel singing a lead solo. They also sang "Light the Candles all around the world," with soloists Kaylee McElvain, Lauren Moore, and Zoey Morin.
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