The children arrived at daycare with wide eyes, marveling at the colorful winter decorations around the classroom. Festive streamers hung from the ceiling, twinkling lights adorned the walls, and a large countdown calendar marked the days until Christmas and Lily's birthday on December 23rd.
Ms. Choi greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning, everyone! We have some exciting days coming up! And someone here has a birthday just around the corner!"
Lily's cheeks flushed as she raised her hand shyly. "That's me! I'm turning five!"
Joon's eyes widened. "Whoa, so cool, Lily! Five is a big number!"
The children buzzed with excitement, chattering about the upcoming holidays and birthdays. Ms. Choi clapped her hands to get their attention. "Alright, who's ready to make some holiday hats?"
The kids cheered and hurried over to the table, where colorful craft supplies were spread out—glitter, pom-poms, stickers, and even some tiny bells. Each child picked out materials to create their own festive headwear.
Hyun beamed as he added bright pom-poms to his hat. "Mine has the most pom-poms!"
Mina held up her hat proudly, showing off the shiny glitter covering it. "I added extra glitter!"
Lily concentrated, carefully placing silver star stickers on her pink hat. "Mine is pink with stars!" she announced with a satisfied grin.
Joon gently placed a snowflake at the top of his hat. "I'm putting a snowflake on top! It's like the one outside."
They laughed and chatted as they worked on their hats, each adding their unique flair. Ms. Choi walked around, admiring their creations, and then clapped her hands again, gathering them near the front.
"Everyone, I have a special surprise for you," she announced. The kids exchanged curious looks, barely able to contain their excitement. Just then, a familiar "Ho ho ho!" echoed from the doorway, and Santa, played by a volunteer parent, entered the classroom with a big smile.
"It's Santa!" they squealed, bouncing in place as he stepped forward, his red suit and fluffy white beard bringing Christmas cheer to life.
Santa chuckled, his voice warm and jolly. "Ho ho ho! Have you all been good this year?"
"Yes, Santa!" they chorused, some nodding furiously to prove it.
Lily's eyes sparkled as she stepped forward. "I was extra good this year, promise!"
Santa grinned, handing each child a small gift—a sheet of colorful stickers or a tiny toy. The children thanked him eagerly, carefully clutching their presents.
Ms. Choi clapped her hands to bring their attention back. "Alright, everyone, let's give Santa a big thank you!"
The kids waved excitedly as Santa left, and Ms. Choi then gathered them near the story corner. "Now, let's practice our winter song and dance for the holiday performance! Remember, we want big smiles!"
The children lined up, ready to practice. As Ms. Choi started the music, they sang along, adding simple dance moves. The energy was high, and a few of them mixed up the steps, causing giggles to ripple through the group.
Hyun laughed, shrugging. "I keep forgetting the last part!"
Mina nudged him with a grin. "It's okay, we'll get it!" she reassured him.
After their rehearsal, the kids moved to the lunch area, where bowls of steaming tteokguk (rice cake soup) and mandu (dumplings) awaited them. They happily dug into the warm, savory meal, chatting about their families' holiday foods.
Joon slurped up his soup with a grin. "My grandma makes the best mandu!"
Lily nodded, savoring a bite. "I love rice cakes! They're so chewy!"
Hyun took a sip of the broth, a content look on his face. "It's so warm, like a big hug!"
After lunch, they settled down for nap time, and when they woke up, Ms. Choi was waiting with another surprise—a special story called The Magic Snowman. The kids gathered close, captivated as Ms. Choi read about a snowman who comes to life and helps children find a hidden gift.
As she described each twist in the tale, the children's eyes grew wider, each of them imagining they were part of the adventure.
"And the snowman said, 'Follow me to the treasure!'" Ms. Choi read with a mysterious tone, leaning in to create suspense.
Lily whispered, her eyes shining, "I wish I could meet a magic snowman…"
Hyun nodded in agreement. "Me too! That would be so cool!"
When storytime ended, Ms. Choi announced that they'd be making holiday cards to take home. She placed markers, stamps, and stickers on the table, and the kids excitedly picked up supplies, designing colorful, personalized cards.
Mina drew a big heart on hers. "I'm making a card for my sister," she said, carefully adding sparkles around the edges.
Joon carefully drew a big snowflake in the center of his card. "Mine has a big snowflake on it!"
Lily thought for a moment, then began to write. "I'll put 'I love you!' on mine!" she said happily, deciding it was the perfect message.
As they worked, Ms. Choi quietly gathered a few of the children to one side, explaining a little secret. "We're going to prepare a surprise for Lily's birthday on Monday. But remember, it's a secret!"
Joon grinned, whispering excitedly, "I won't tell, promise!"
Hyun clapped his hands together, practically bouncing with excitement. "This is going to be so fun!"
As parents began to arrive, the children shared excited whispers about Lily's birthday and the upcoming festivities. Ms. Choi reminded everyone of the holiday plans and the birthday celebration to come. Lily, unaware of the specifics, smiled happily as her friends chattered around her.
"Monday is going to be the best!" she said, her eyes shining with excitement.
Joon looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eye as he whispered to himself, "Can't wait to see her face!"
With laughter, whispers, and bright smiles, the children left the daycare, each carrying the joy of the day's festivities and the excitement of more to come.