Article prepared by: Snejana Iovtcheva
Technical layout by: Didi Hatcher
Christmas spirit is in the air at the Boston Saturday School! During the last two Saturdays of November, students from the Boston branch gathered to create Christmas cards. The students created cards for their loved ones in Bulgaria, learning to write warm holiday wishes following the formula: address, Christmas wish, signature.
Additionally, the children also made beautiful cards specifically for the school's Christmas campaign, which traditionally supports one Bulgarian organization each year. This year, both branches of our school chose to support the "Teach for Bulgaria" foundation. More details about this organization will be provided in a separate publication.
Parents organized the purchase and distribution of materials and hosted a joint workshop in the afternoon between the two school shifts. "The workshop was a lot of fun! I want to sincerely thank the mothers who participated and led the project!" wrote Veneta Andreev, one of the co-founders of the Parents' Organization.
In addition to the joint workshop, many teachers incorporated the artistic aspect of creating cards, the social aspect of donating, and the educational aspect of writing in Bulgarian into their lessons. First graders with Mrs. Irene Hristov not only made Christmas cards, but also created a Christmas project where each child preserved their first-grade handprint to give to their parents.
Second graders discussed the importance of sending and receiving greeting cards and crafted warm wishes for their relatives in Bulgaria.
In third and fourth grade, students had a special guest, Didi Hatcher, a professional animator and visual designer, who led a lesson on drawing a snowflake, a snowman, a Christmas tree, and Santa Claus. This inspired the kids to draw their own cards instead of using stickers and pre-made designs.
Older students in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades welcomed Bulgarian potter and artist Miryana Mihailova, also known as MirandaLimon, who demonstrated how to draw Christmas motifs with a professional touch. The students used the techniques shown to create their own unique cards.
While the classrooms were filled with lessons and crafts, the Christmas tree in the school lobby sparkled with lights. Didi Hatcher has been in charge of decorating the building for the third year, spreading pre-Christmas cheer to everyone. Many students took breaks to help her, excitedly recognizing their decorated Christmas ornaments from previous years.
The traditions that teachers and parents have built over the years create lasting memories for our students. The workshops are eagerly anticipated and help our children connect with Bulgarian culture, traditions, and language.