'Tis The Season....

My first student Christmas gift

My students were as excited as me this morning when one of my kids handed me a present.  Every year, without fail, the kids see a peer gifting and get competitive.  This year proved to be no different.  One of the kids yelled out "you'll be receiving my gift on Tuesday, Ms. Hicks."  Another decided to tell me the exact gifts I was getting, the day in which they planned on gifting it, and even threw in a wink almost in an attempt to reassure me I had made her "nice list."   It's the cutest thing, and I so love spending time with them.  When this happens, I always remind them "your presence is my gift.  You make my life more fun!  I do not need a thing."  One little girl yelled back "ha!  you've earned it for putting up with us." As soon as I unveiled this rug from it's box, the room fell silent and some jaws dropped.  This delightful present rests in the entry way of "Hicks' Hub" (A fancy name for the space behind my desk.)  I could have brought this little gem home to share with Stephanie, but instead I kept it at school for a few reasons:

1. Cultural diversity.  It says "happy holidays" therefore it clearly signals to my students I like holidays.  The celebrations and the gas stations.
2. A welcome mat in general really makes a statement.  When pointed outward it allows those visiting your area to realize you're pretty important and that you're accepting guests while wishing them happy times.  Yet, notice the orientation of my mat in the picture.  This was taken at 4pm.  This means that I've heard Ms. Hicks one too many times and I'm currently the only one welcome.  
3. At one point I took a small group to read around the rug.  I made it seem extra special by reassuring them the reindeer and snowmen were interested so they should speak up while reading.  Half weren't listening, and the other half looked annoyed that I'd suggest such a thing.  I don't know about them, but one thing I do know: I read more fluently with this added pressure.

Although I really don't want/need any gifts, if by chance I do get another one I'm really crossing my fingers it's a door knocker.  I'd love to hang that on the corner of my desk and really settle into the place.