It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It’s official! Christmas is nearly upon us, and all the children at Playgroup and Preschool are getting very excited (pretty much since Halloween!). Our rooms are awash with glitter, drawings of Santa, tinsel and wrapping paper as busy little hands get creative making masterpieces for their families. Overton has its own traditions of course, with the Christmas market, fairs, carol services, Nativity plays and much more. This year, on Sunday 15th December, Overton Preschool Playgroup are showing a performance of the film “Arthur Christmas” at 10.45am in St Marys Hall. Everyone welcome!

It can be fun to also introduce your children to new traditions, such as the ways that this time of year is celebrated around the world.

· Greece- on Christmas Eve, the children go out into the street, playing drums and triangles, while singing carols known as “kalanda”. They carry model boats decorated with golden nuts, and their singing is rewarded with treats such as coins, sweets and figs.

· Colombia- from 16th December different families take turns to host parties known as “Novena de Aguinaldos”, where children sing carols and eat yummy foods. An important decoration is the nativity scene, and children write a letter to Baby Jesus with their present wishes.

· Jamaica- a Grand Market is held on Christmas Eve and the adults and children come out together in their best clothes and often shop and party together until 6am.

· Hungary- the adults decorate the Christmas tree for the Children so it is a wonderful surprise for them to see. Gingerbread is very popular!

· Argentina- Argentinians often set off fireworks and “globos” lanterns are lit on Christmas Eve to celebrate.

· Canada- many Canadians have cookie baking parties where different families get together to bake and exchange their favourite recipes for biscuits, and other delicious treats.

Whatever you and your family get up to, we hope you have a very happy December and New Year! See you in 2020!