It’s Christmas time, and that means that it’s time for the school’s annual “winter” performance. Don’t worry, we made sure to use the word “Christmas” as much as possible with no consequence. For all of December (and a bit before that too), the kids were busy practicing their numerous songs to sing and dance to. Sure, we had some “classes,” but at least half of our class time was devoted to practicing. This was not to be the standard western, low-stress kids performance; this was meant to be a show stopper with all the pressure that goes with it. Why? Because this isn’t the west; it’s China. The kids had to learn a Chinese poem, play a song on their little recorders, as well as sing and dance to a Chinese song and an English song.

I wish I had some photos or video of the performance, but I was busy helping the kids do their dance moves. Our class did “Jingle Bell Rock,” and I had them dance to a video I found on YouTube of these two Vietnamese people doing a simple Zumba routine. Yes, Zumba has made its way to places like Vietnam. We are truly an interconnected world, for sure.

One of my favorite things about these Chinese school performances is not just the over-the-top showmanship of it all but also the delightful makeup skills that are involved. Here you can see the kids being all dolled up, both the boys and the girls.

After the performance, we all gathered back in the classroom to relax and celebrate, as well as take lots of photos with the kids.

In the afternoon, Santa came by to visit and deliver gifts to the kids. These were books that the parents were asked to purchase and wrap so they could be handed out randomly.

The next day, we had an all-day Christmas party. In the morning, the kids made little snowmen out of marshmallows and candy parts. In the afternoon, they watched some short movies and ate snacks. Nothing too complicated, just a time for us to finally relax.

I’m glad that it’s finally all over, but I realize that next year I’ll have to go through this again. Hopefully, I’ll be better prepared now that I’ve done it once.