There are some things that even a picture can't do justice and our annual Holiday Book Exchange is one of those things. It's simple, really. Everybody that wants to participate comes with a children's holiday book in a bag to the Mallard's room (which is a treat itself because it is already festive and full of little holiday touches that just make me smile). Teachers don't follow instructions very well so even though the instructions are to put your book in a bag, about a fourth of them come wrapped. When you walk in - 20 minutes before the school day starts- you get a number and breakfast furnished by Reading Council (which means I had to get up at 6:15 to heat ham biscuits and talk my husband into helping me). There is a little time for fellowship... and then it starts. Led by that wacky Principal Grinch, the haggling and stealing begins... and oh my, it is so much fun!
During a season when it's just too easy to get stressed, this moment of fun and laughter is a welcome respite. And, did I mention that you also have to wear a tracky sweater? Now, I have a closet full of tacky sweaters that were once a most important part of my teacher wardrobe, but these folks take this tacky sweater thing seriously as evidenced by delightful little Sarah in her adorable "stockings by the fire". The outfit also comes with a frame around her head.
