Bright beginning Christmas

Sunday, December 21, 2003
The students paused long enough for a group photo with their instructor Tracy Sewell, at the Bright Beginnings annual Christmas program Friday evening. Front row, left to right: Trevor Dennison, Kiersten Ropelato, Dakota Harris, Kelsey Willson, Connor Masters. Back row: Corbin Overton, Braeden Hinton, Rylee Wingert, Quinton Hays, Emily Willson. Nancy Malcom/Herald

Friday, Dec.19, the Bright Beginnings preschoolers presented their annual Christmas program for friends and family.

Children ages three to five, dressed in their finery and sang and danced Christmas favorites. Songs included "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Chubby Little Snowman", "Three Little Christmas Trees," and "If Everyday Could Be Christmas Day." Students were Trevor Dennison, Dakota Harris, Quinton Hays, Braeden Hinton, Connor Masters, Corbin Overton, Kiersten Ropelato, Emily Willson, Kelsey Willson and Rylee Wingert.

A slide show featuring the year's activities was shown after the live performance. Refreshments were served.

The performers all had comments about Christmas.

Trevor Dennison, age four, has written a letter to Santa requesting a skateboard for Christmas. He isn't certain how Santa will deliver it though. His favorite things about the season include the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," Christmas trees covered in lights, and "I like cooking with my mom."

Dakota Harris, age five, has seen Santa once at his house and says he comes down the chimney to deliver his gifts. Rudolph is his favorite reindeer and snow is his favorite part of the holiday season. He said, "I help Mom make cookies and we leave some out for Santa."

Quinton Hays, age four, has never seen Santa in person, but he has written him a letter asking for a Batman for Christmas. He can't wait for Santa to come down the chimney with his presents. Rudolph is his favorite reindeer and snow is his favorite part of the season. "I like to play in snow, and I made a snowman this year," Hays said.

Braeden Hinton, age four, said he saw Santa once at his dad's house. Although Santa traditionally comes down the chimney, Hinton said, "We don't have a chimney so I guess he'll just open the door." He wants a "real" motorcycle for Christmas. He likes snow at Christmas but doesn't care for special meals as he prefers his eggs and toast. He leaves cookies for Santa though because "Santa always eats them."

Connor Masters, age four, wrote Santa a letter asking for a robot snake. Although all the other children quickly affirmed they had been good all year, Masters had to think about it a few seconds. With a sudden grin of relief he said, "Oh yes! I remember I was good one day!" He doesn't know how Santa has managed to deliver presents before but said, "We have a chimney this year, we made one just for Santa." He also stood alone in his preference of reindeer. "Blitzen is the fastest one, Rudolph cheats cause his nose lights up." He wants a traditional Christmas meal of cheeseburger and fries although he likes making cookies with his mom and leaving some for Santa. "Last year we made sugar cookies, I want to make chocolate chip ones this year." He enjoys the tree, lights, music and fun of Christmas. The only thing he would change about Christmas is helping Santa keep his temper. "He gets mad at the elves if they don't make enough presents," he explained.

Corbin Overton, age four, saw Santa at her grandmother's house. She's been a good girl this year and wants a Barbie Toy Petshop for Christmas. She helps her mom make cookies and says, "I leave some for Santa and he eats them all too." She enjoys Christmas because "It's Jesus' birthday." The only thing she would change about the season is being able to light more candles.

Kiersten Ropelato, age three, saw Santa at Wal-Mart and has also written him a letter. She wants a skateboard for Christmas because "I can ride it anywhere." Rudolph is her favorite reindeer because he has a red nose. Although she makes cookies with her mom, she doesn't leave any out for Santa. She prefers carrots and doesn't want to leave Santa anything he might not like. "When Mom cooks something I don't like, I don't like it," she explained. "Santa gets on the roof, comes down the fireplace, hangs stockings on the wall and leaves presents," she added. Her favorite part of Christmas is decorating the tree because she gets to put the star on top.

Emily Willson, age three, saw Santa in Joplin. She wants a new doll this year as she has been a good girl. She knows he brings presents by coming down from the roof. Rudolph is her favorite reindeer and the Christmas tree is her favorite part of the season. "My best food is cake," she said, "I leave cookies for Santa though."

Kelsey Willson, age five, saw Santa in Joplin as well. She explained things this way, "Santa comes down the chimney; but if you don't have a chimney he uses the door. Rudolph is the best reindeer, chocolate is the best cake and Mom makes cakes. I leave cookies for Santa, and he eats them all." She added that she wants a baby doll, and the very best part of Christmas? "The presents!"

Rylee Wingert, age four, saw Santa at Wal-Mart and asked him for a Barbie Swan Lake movie. She knows Santa comes down the chimney and her favorite reindeer is Rudolph. Her favorite food on Christmas day is cookies because she helps make them. "We're going to make chocolate bars too," she confided with a giggle. She will leave some cookies out for Santa of course. The best part of the season is playing in snow and decorating the tree. She'd like to add more ornaments to the tree and to find more presents under it.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: