It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

This past week the Christmas season has come out full force! All of my students are learning English songs, such as Santa Clause is Coming to Town and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, for their Christmas performance this week. They are all in awe that I already know all the words to the songs they are learning haha.

When I got to school this past week the place was all decked out in decorations- tinsel strewn, Christmas trees scattered throughout and a huge nativity scene, or belén, in the front entrance. As soon as I walked into the Winter Wonderland, one of the teachers asked me if I knew how to ice skate. Next thing I know I am on a bus with forty 7 year olds chanting my name on the way to the ice rink. As we were walking into the rink one of the guys that work there said Hola to me, and without any hesitation one of my students,Antonio, screams in Spanish "SHE'S AMERICAN AND DOESN'T UNDERSTAND YOU!" Thanks Antonio....

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to prove that Antonio was wrong about my Spanish because instead of telling the man "No tengo guantes" (I don't have gloves), I told him "No tengo guisantes" (I don't have peas). As he looked at me in confusion I continued to tell him that since I don't have any peas, my hands are cold. Eventually, he figured out what I was getting at and gave me his gloves to wear.

After strapping all the squirming kids into their ice skates, it was time to hit the ice. As I saw them slipping and falling all over the place I quickly wondered what I got myself into and hoped that I would come out of this with all my bones in tact. As soon as I stepped onto the ice they all swarmed to me like a bunch of excited puppies. Juan, the little boy who had claimed me as his wife, insisted on holding my hand while we skate. Having seen him fall numerous times I was a little worried that I would end up being pulled down with him the next time he fell. But luckily I made it out without any spills or injuries!

Last night Maggie, Justin and I went to Plaza Cibeles for a Christmas light show. It was one of the coolest Christmas shows I have ever seen. They had the lights perfectly lined up with the building so that it looked like it as moving, as if it were a toy! Then at the end they had a Christmas tree displayed on the building and fireworks began spouting out of the top. Here are some pictures to try and give you a better idea of what it was like:

I cannot believe that Christmas is this week! I would be lying if I said that it isn't hard being away from home this time of year. I wish more than anything that I was with my family in California, sitting by the fireplace and baking all day. But I have wonderful friends here in Spain to celebrate the holidays with, which I am so greatful for!!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!