On Dec. 16, the third grade kicked off Las Posadas, a Mexican holiday that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They were looking for a safe place for Mary gave birth to Jesus. The third graders dressed up, sang carols and walked classroom to classroom asking if they had room for Joseph and Mary. Finally, they found a place, in the church. 

Two third grade students acted as Mary and Joseph and the rest of the class dressed as shepherds, animals, wisemen and even a lizard. They made their way to each classroom singing, "Feliz Navidad deseamos, Feliz Navidad deseamos, Feliz Navidad deseamos, Y ano Nuevo tambien," which is "We wish you a Merry Christmas." When the teacher opened the door, they asked if there was room for Mary and Joseph. The teachers all responded "no." The students went to the office, and still found no room for Mary and Joseph. Finally, they made their way to the church end of the building, where Jason Huff, husband of third grade teacher Catha Huff, was there ready for them. He had room in his stable. 

Together, Huff and the children sang several more Christmas carols before they returned to their room for a taco lunch and more Las Posadas activities. They even had a cake of kings, where a small Jesus figurine is hidden in the cake and a lucky participant will find Him in their piece of cake. 

The students learned a lot of Christmas traditions from another portion of the world, Mexico. They learned how the people there celebrate and that at the heart of all of the celebrations, no matter where they take place, is Jesus. 

2021-Third Grade Christmas