Newton Country Day School celebrated Advent with a December 2nd gathering of Sacred Heart alumnae, their mothers, and their pre-school children. The event included a special treat for the children – Breakfast with Santa! Representing classes across ten decades, 1988-1998, the alumnae enjoyed the energy and excitement of their combined thirty children as the little ones jumped on a moon-bounce, ran about the gym, and sat on Santa’s knee. Toddlers’ eyes sparkled as they whispered in Santa’s ear what they hope he brings them for Christmas Day. Grandmothers, who not so long ago were parenting their Newton Country Day daughters, glowed in their new roles at the school. They held newborns as young as three weeks old, kicked balls with their grandchildren, and shared stories of past years with Sister Rogers.
Over coffee, juice, and refreshments, alumnae mothers cuddled with the toddlers as they read them Christmas stories and studied crèche scenes on Advent calendars, a gift to each family from Sister Rogers. By opening a door on the Advent calendar each day, a tradition that dates to Gerhard Lang in 1908, the children of the alumnae will celebrate the meaning of Advent and anticipate the arrival of the Christ Child.