The Christmas Play

Dressed in her A Little Bit of Sweden dress and snowflake tights, we dropped Ellie off the regular preschool way except in the dark.

She hopped out of the car and held her teachers hand as they walked in the back door to get ready for the play.

Despite being on time, Madeline and I went into "God's House" {the preschool term for church} and found a row of seats to reserve more than half way back.  A little while later Nonna and Poppa arrived, then Ryan, then Auntie.

After a few more minutes of Madeline taking everything out of Nonna's purse, the preschoolers began to walk in through the middle aisle holding hands and looking very serious. When they recognized someone in the audience, each child would get a huge smile and start waving like crazy.

Finally Ellie walked in, the same as the rest.  Totally serious until she saw our row of familiar faces, then a huge smile took over.  Elizabeth was the first letter in Christmas and I was a little nervous for her to go first.  She walked right up to the front of the stage and held her letter, it lasted less than a minute and then she was back in her seat on the stage.

Ellie sang the songs, did most of the movements and smiled every time she looked out into the audience and saw us.  Half way through the play, Madeline was sitting on my lap and realized that Ellie was on stage.  Mads immediately began waving like crazy saying "Eh-Eee!  Eh-Eeee!"  Ellie tried to play it cool and did a little wave and mouthed, "Hi Mads!" to her sister.

Before we knew it, the children were standing and taking their bow.  Ellie did great.  No tears, sang her songs and held her letter.

After the play, Ellie opened a gift from Nonna and Poppa and we enjoyed Christmas Cookies and brownies at the school.  Ellie was so proud of herself, dancing all around. 

In the car on the way home Ellie said, "Next time I think I should be on a bigger stage.  And one without chairs.  And next time I'll have a speaking part......"

Sure, Ellie.  And next time I'll be able to eat the same day as the show because I'll know she can handle it and it won't be a disaster!

{pics and video to come!}

Do you have a school program this holiday season?  Are you a nervous wreck like I was or cool, calm and collected?