Children from around the world experience a Columbia Christmas
By Rachel Haynie

Children from around the world are experiencing a new holiday tradition: Christmas, Columbia style. , The Kiwanis Club of Richland extended its hospitality so that the youngsters, all English as a Second Language (ESL) students at A.C. Moore Elementary School, could get a feel for Christmas

Whatever their worldview of Christmas was before, the children now have a unique view of their new hometown’s celebrations.

Their ESL teacher Susanna Melo said some of the students at this year’s party arrived in town just in time for school to start this year. Others have come to this before.

According to Kiwanis member Ken Connors who hosted the event at his home, “We wanted the children to experience the excitement of walking through local neighborhoods. Many homes were already dressed up for Christmas. We wanted them to walk to the door of a Columbian and be welcomed.”

The children walked to the party destination from their school for exercise, cultural exchange, and to avoid logistics of getting a school bus for the field trip.

Connor said right now he is the only Kiwanian in the long–standing civic organization whose home is close enough to the school for the walk.

“In the past we have had several members living in this neighborhood, but now I am the only one.” The Connors home was dressed up for the holidays in a traditional manner.

When the children arrived, they began planned activities in one of four rooms, then rotated until they had experienced all four offerings.

Some of the children decorated a Christmas tree set up on the sunroom while some decorated sugar cookies in the kitchen. Another group sat to hear and share stories and songs in the living room, while others were served a simple lunch in the dining room.

When the full rotation had been made at all four stations, the ESL children gathered in the living room. Sitting politely on the soft, colorful carpet, they paid rapt attention as Santa Claus gave them a few pointers about this holiday, Christmas.

Sharing the traditions of the season has become a tradition in itself for the Kiwanis Club which has an international mission. Connors said local Kiwanians have been giving this party for a number of years.

“We also have a luncheon event for them in the spring, and we work with the school to assure they have extras they need during the school year.”

Connor said the organization’s contribution last year purchased tape recorders. “The ESL teacher said listening to books on tape helps the children develop their language skills.”

Among the Kiwanians helping with the party were J. D. “Buck” Fagen, Henry Kemp, Ellen Blundy, Connors, and a special delegate from Santa Claus, John Hopkins.

In addition to Melo, faculty from A.C. Moore Elementary School included Tracy Smalls and Jairo Vertel.