Students at DeKalb West School’s 21st Century After-School program took a special trip around the world for Christmas. They journeyed to Mexico, Germany, England, and Canada without leaving DeKalb County.

“After Thanksgiving break, different groups of students researched the different countries and how they celebrate the holidays,” explained Tonya Ellis, Director of the 21st Century After-School program at DWS. “We did it to teach children about the holidays of other cultures. It helps them to see that no matter what differences we all have, we also have many things in common, such as family. Most holiday celebrations are times when extended families gather together to enjoy special food, traditions and one another.” 

Kindergarten and 1st grade girls sang the American classic Christmas tune, “Jingle Bells.” First grade boys and second grade girls put their spin on the Mexican holiday standard, “Feliz Navidad.” Second grade boys and third grade boys and girls performed “O Christmas Tree,” or “O Tannenbaum,” that was written in Germany in the mid-1500s. Fourth grade boys and 4th-8th girls tackled the English Christmas carol, “12 days of Christmas while 5th-8th students brought the song, “A Porcupine in a Pine Tree” to life. The Canadian version of “12 Days of Christmas” sings about everything from the winning hockey Stanley cups to caribous and beavers.

Students performed the songs for parents and teachers Thursday, December 15 at DWS.