I’ve attended many, many Christmas concerts over the years.
When I was growing up on what was then a remote coastal island, the annual Christmas concert was the social event of the year. It was held in the evening, and was followed by refreshments and the arrival of Santa with presents for the kids. In my school teacher days, again in rural areas, the teachers did the concert part with mothers doing the Santa list, costumes and refreshments. They sent the people at Eaton’s catalogue the names and ages of the kids (and the money) and would get back appropriate gifts.
Later, when I was a mom, the costumes always got me. My boys often forgot to tell me what they needed. Bathrobes for shepherds were easy but making a Frosty the Snowman or a kangaroo outfit (“Snow White Boomer”) on short notice was not my idea of merriment. Once one of the boys was an angel and his little brother thought he was a butterfly — so much for my creative skills. Their big fear was being stuck to play Joseph and have to appear with Mary in the nativity scene.
Having grandchildren in concerts is more fun — I just have to show up and enjoy. GDs #6 and #7 attend 150 Mile House Elementary where the primary classes had their concert last Wednesday. I couldn’t begin to count how many kids were involved in the musical The Littlest Reindeer. GD#7 (kindergarten) was in the chorus. GD#6 (Grade 3) was the littlest reindeer.
The production was a delight. I can only guess how many hours went into rehearsing. Congratulations to the kids and teachers — especially kindergarten teacher and musical conductor Mrs. Wanless — for a job well done.
A merry Christmas to all, with special wishes to city councillors and regional district directors. May you find peace.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.