Written by Mrs. Lynne Adams
Tattnall Square Academy’s Annual Kids Yule Love program is upon us. For those who are attending for the first time, you will undoubtedly be amazed at this very touching rendition that always gets us in the Christmas spirit. This year’s theme of the Nutcracker features the tremendous talent that our students possess. I am always inspired by how our children spend their valuable time practicing, practicing, and more practicing, so that their presentation is perfect!
Of course, we all know that Shirley Kitchings is a genius for putting this event together, and her diligence definitely needs to be recognized. However, more than that. . .I feel it is more important to recognize her heart. I have the distinct honor of teaching across the hall from Mrs. Kitchings, and she begins preparations for Kids Yule Love in the early fall. She meticulously prepares each show so it is driven by our students’ talent. Furthermore, she asks as many students as possible to participate, then she always makes us smile when Mrs. Claus says, “Santa has a gift for you. . .”
As an alumni parent (Caroline ‘09 and Shawver ‘14), I experience a sense of nostalgia as I think back over the years that my own children participated in the programs. Caroline was in the nativity program that Mrs. Chapman coordinates every year until she got too old, and Shawver was a part of this program every year from K4 on except for one because he could never tell Mrs. Kitchings, “no,” when she asked him to be a wise man. Both of my children were able to cap off their Kids Yule Love stint their senior years. Caroline, who waited not so patiently to be a dancing elf since K4, actually got to help coordinate the dance, one of the highlights of her senior year. Shawver donned his Woody attire while walking in the toy parade, and as student council president helped present the toys to this organization.
As I reminisce on this cold, Saturday morning, I am so appreciative that my own children and all of our families experience this moving presentation. Not only are we the largest donor of toys to the Kids Yule Love organization, we are able to help our students make memories that last a lifetime. Additionally, we are able to impact our community! What an awesome way to kick off the Christmas season while praising Jesus Christ.
In the end, that’s what makes Tattnall Square Academy such a special place – generous and kind people who fill our halls with love. Blessed to be a part of this family for 27 years, I am reminded of that each December when Santa’s sleigh takes its spot in Mrs. Kitchings’ room awaiting its journey to the Athletic Complex with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Spoiler alert, but I must mention that the program’s nativity scene finale reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. I wish all of our families a joyous Christmas season.
Luke 2: 10 – 12 – But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”…