Christ the King CEC
New Paltz, NY
The tree was up, the carols were playing and a crowd of residents were waiting when the Christ the King children arrived at Victory Lake Nursing Home, Hyde Park NY to bring some extra Christmas cheer. For the little people, as one of them said it was like having a room full of Grandmas. The residents, one featuring a Santa hat with a real jingle bell, clapped and beamed as the children delivered their performance.
Band students performed carols on their instruments with wonderful enthusiasm, and then the music director and another musical friend played a flute duet. They were followed by five of the older girls, aged 9 to 11, who presented a skit about how the Christmas Star was given a special sparkle from God as he shared His gift of love on Christmas. The younger children recited a Christmas poem, dressed as nativity characters: Mary, Joseph, shepherds, three kings, a select crowd of angels (one with an impressive sword) and a very energetic lamb. The performers ended with the parents joining their children in Christmas carols — that the parents weren’t expecting but thoroughly enjoyed nonetheless!
After the performances - and a very warm response from the residents - the children were able to visit and talk to seniors present in the the audience, and shared treats provided by nursing home staff. For the children, it was an important chance to demonstrate love to the infirm and elderly, who blessed them with such heart-felt, sincere appreciation in return.
A short slide show of the event is available here.
