Christmas Cards

Each year OXAB organises a Christmas party for the children at the Khristo Smirnenski Home in Balvan in conjunction with Priateli 2009, a charitable organisation set up by British expats in the Veliko Turnovo region, and ZOV UK who also organise Christmas parties at other orphanages in the Veliko Turnovo region – Penyo & Maria and Strajica. For many of the children this is their only chance to celebrate Christmas, and the party, complete with Father Christmas, presents, decorations and party food, is a cause for great excitement. It is also a great opportunity for the children from the English Club to celebrate their achievements and share their work with their friends. In 2007 the children gave a fantastic performance of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.

In 2008, Joanna Flint and Chloe Blackmore travelled to Balvan to organise the party and take part in the festivities. Before the party we ran Christmas craft workshops for the children to make their own decorations and Christmas cards, and some of the older children helped to decorate the upstairs room with the children’s own hand-made baubles. Excitement and anticipation mounted throughout the day, especially among the younger children who kept asking “what time will Father Christmas arrive?” We are very grateful to a volunteer from Priateli who made a wonderful Father Christmas, giving out the small individual presents we had bought for the children. There was also plenty of party food (including mince pies!), and a good selection of dance music chosen by one of the children. It was clear to see how much fun was had by all!

Last updated: July 16th, 2009