Mistletoe

This week at school has been as the Spaniards say "un rollo" a struggle. It happens at every school, there is always so much to cram into the last 2 weeks of classes before a term ends. Not only are final tests being given, grades were also due this week. And we have our Christmas show on Friday. And the parents brought churros and chocolate yesterday which cost 1.50 euro per child. And the school is taking a trip to the movies next week which cost 7.00 euro per child. And they have a show next week in Spanish on Friday.

Needless to say, we have been trying to get everything done in time and it has been quite an adventure. The students feel the same crazy pressure that the teachers feel, so they act out more and are making the teachers even more stressed out. I feel their pressure even though I don´t have to do anything with grades or tests (besides explain the questions). With having such a horrible cold from Bilbao, this week has been rough. I have been trying to teach Christmas carols to all of my 1st and 2nd grade classes with a super sore throat. They are finally starting to actually know the words (hopefully they know by the show tomorrow!!).

My favorite story from the week happened in my 2B class. This class is singing I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I was explaining what the words meant. One of the students asked what mistletoe is. I drew a picture on the blackboard and said that it was a plant with small red fruits on it. Then I went over to the door, pointed out that we put it on the door frame and said when two people walk by, they have to kiss. About half of the students really understood what it was. There was one student who had NO idea and kept shouting out "IT´S SNOW!" and I was like, no it´s not, but I guess I am glad you are speaking English. Once they finally understood what the song was about they began booing and making sad faces. I had to explain that it is a tradition to kiss, it wasn´t a bad thing that Santa is kissing Mommy. It was quite an adventure.

I am really excited for the show tomorrow. The children will be singing Jingle Bells, He wears a red coat, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I am nervous about how the singing part will go, but they will look cute in their santa hats/reindeer horns and their dancing is great! The parents will be coming to watch, which also makes me nervous, but it´ll be fine. Tomorrow is my last day of school before heading home for break for 3 weeks. I can´t wait to celebrate Christmas with my family and see all of my friends. :)