With portable heating pads in the pocket of the coatigans and a cup of hot cocoa in their hands, pedestrians in Taipei were hectic as you could imagine. What would be more comforting and therapeutic to come across a group of angelic children performing Christmas Caroling? Extravaganza everywhere in the downtown area was no longer novel to people who reside in Taipei. What people nowadays truly long for might be an inner peace boost brought by some natural and genuine melodies and that was the exact reason we gathered the children together to perform to the public. The pupils were fully dressed up to sync with the holiday vibe and their singing performance justifies their occupation of the front door at Starbucks.

The annual Cat’s Language School Christmas Caroling was held on a sunlit afternoon at the nearby intersection of the Nanjing branch. The amateur choirs were composed of the students from our Afternoon Classes and Intensive Classes and their dedicated teachers who never failed to inspire and enlighten them.

During Christmas week, the pupils of Cat’s Language Program NJ branch embraced the opportunity to visit their neighboring community to sing Christmas caroling and spread some festive cheer. About thirty kids per section, ranging in age from seven to ten, gathered in front of the Starbucks cafe with all the faculties. After brief introductions and warm greetings, each child was given a song booklet containing some classic Christmas songs of all time.

The children arrived in high spirits, ready for an enjoyable afternoon filled with Christmas carols and holiday cheer. They cheerfully performed a variety of repertoires with great enthusiasm, including "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Jingle Bells," and "Santa Clause is coming to Town." One of the older students even took the initiative to lead some group singing. Some excited teachers also cheered the children up by doing sensational dance moves. Not only the random passers-by but also the customers in Starbucks were delighted by their tuneful voices and praised them for their hard work by giving them big applauses generously.

At the end of their performance, each child was given a special treat—a piece of candy cane-as well as a few words of encouragement from those in attendance. It was obvious that everyone had enjoyed their time together, as smiles filled the air during this shared holiday moment.

Overall, it was an uplifting experience for all involved; even those not directly participating in the event found themselves filled with joy at being able to witness the act of kindness on such special days. This was just one of many charity activities brought by Cat’s Language Program throughout the year.

 When asked about the purpose of having this Christmas Caroling event and why supporting others during this time was important, one of our students shared her insight, “We are all so lucky and blessed to have whatever we have now, and it’s nice that we can involve everyone to experience the jubilant holiday vibes. It’s what Christmas is all about— spreading love and joy!”

Some of the teachers also joined in on the fun and commented on how amazing it was to see their students come together with such enthusiasm. All in all, the Christmas event held to the public this year was a great success thanks to the generous support of both parents and teachers alike. The students at Cat’s Language Program look forward to partaking in more charitable activities throughout 2023 with even more zeal!

little tree     by E.E. Cummings

little tree

little silent Christmas tree

you are so little

you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest

and were you very sorry to come away?

see           i will comfort you

because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark

and hug you safe and tight

just as your mother would,

only don't be afraid

look           the spangles

that sleep all the year in a dark box

dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,

the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms

and i'll give them all to you to hold

every finger shall have its ring

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy...