We encourage our writers (kids) to reread and reflect on their writing from the previous year as they start a new unit of study. For the most part, my students look at me like I have two heads when I ask them what they might do to improve last year's piece! Yet, revision IS writing, so, while I did not plan to just revise to "save time" during this busy time of the year, I am doing some revision making last year's December 24th entry, which was a revision to the year before's entry, to make this week's SOL more succinct!
I could beat myself up,
I should have baked more, earlier,
Created personal, hand-crafted gifts,
Shopped at local merchants, craft fairs.
I suspect that on that first Christmas,
Mary, too was not quite ready,
Yet, she was prepared in her heart.
In reality,
None of us really needs perfectly decorated, home-made cookies,
(don't worry, I made a few, but they are not perfect)
(don't worry, I made a few, but they are not perfect)
None of us needs perfectly wrapped, show-stopping gifts,
(don't worry, there are a few things under the tree,, even if they are not personally crafted)
(don't worry, there are a few things under the tree,, even if they are not personally crafted)
It's peace, understanding, love, patience, kindness, hope, and joy,
We want and need,
In our world, our families, our hearts.
(if you celebrate)
We want and need,
In our world, our families, our hearts.
So,
Even if you have more shopping and baking, to do,
You're worried about logistics, traveling, seeing everyone,
Your loved ones are scattered here and there,
Your loved ones are scattered here and there,
Your plans have had to change,
Your heart is heavy,
Your future is blurry,
Your heart is heavy,
Your future is blurry,
I wish you a patiently-waiting, Christmas Eve,
A joyously celebrated Christmas Day(if you celebrate)
A season of peace, understanding, love,
patience, kindness, hope, and joy,
(No matter what you celebrate!)
patience, kindness, hope, and joy,
(No matter what you celebrate!)
11 comments:
Anita,
Thank you for sharing your revision of the Christmas Eve message. I like the idea that you're modeling the process for your audience. Your message means a lot.
Anita,
Thank you for sharing your revision of the Christmas Eve message. I like the idea that you're modeling the process for your audience. Your message means a lot.
We are never really finished with a piece, are we? Thanks for sharing the process of revision.
Good Morning Anita,
I will remember your story today as I run around like a chicken with not head trying to make a perfect Christmas. My children just want to be with my making cookies, not have me gone shopping for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for sharing. A good reminder.
I realized this in a big way yesterday when I was out and about and got very grumpy. Time to settle in and find peace and love.
Anita,
I love how you revisited and revised last year's peace. And such important reminders! Think you have started a new tradition, my friend! Richest blessings on this special day!
Thank you for the much needed message. The line that says it all is "Yet, she was prepared in heart." Merry Christmas!
Lovely reminders: Both the content and the process! I also love the words at the end. Patience I am considering as my OLW. Thank you.
What a great wish for us all to share. Thanks!
Lemme tell you... I should revise today's slice. It was written in a hurry and isn't much of a story. But that's another story (pun intended)!
I used to tell my students you could always revise something and make it better. You really show us the truth in that with your actions today.
Merry Christmas, Anita.
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