December 16, 2008 -- Frigid winter temperatures did not deter some forty ESL students, children and teachers from attending a Christmas party organized by UCC-SB and hosted by its member organization, Mohyla Institute.

ESL students, teachers and children with Santa

With Christmas music playing in the background, the afternoon event started with a fabulous potluck luncheon, followed by an awards ceremony. Five students did not miss a single ESL class from the beginning of September to the end of December. They were rewarded for their commitment to the Program with a student book of the next level of English, plus donated items from local area merchants. An additional eleven students, who missed only one class, were also acknowledged by the presentation of small gifts.

Attendance awards

All adults present then encircled Mohyla Institute’s brightly-decorated Christmas tree and selected a single wrapped Christmas present. One of the teachers read a Christmas story about the Right family. Each time she said the word “right”, participants passed the present that they were holding to the person on their right. Each time she uttered “left” they passed the presents to the left. Controlled chaos and laughter ensued during this activity. When the story ended, everyone was allowed to open the “right” present that they were “left” with.

Waiting for a present from Santa

Everyone present continued to visit with their classmates, sing Christmas carols and participate in teacher-created activities which involved practising Christmas-themed English vocabulary.

Then the highlight of the afternoon happened. With a “Ho. Ho. Ho. Merry Christmas!” jolly old Saint Nick skipped down the stairs to greet the young children. Apprehension and guarded smiles gave way to a chorus of approval when Santa started to talk in Ukrainian! The children listened to his tale about his travels and hoped that they were on his list of good children who would receive presents. Santa, a.k.a. Serhiy, then distributed gifts to all the good boys and girls. A photo-taking session with Santa followed. Amidst hugs and cries of “Merry Christmas” an afternoon of food, fun and socializing ended another successful UCC-SB ESL session.

Santa and all the good boys and girls