Celebrating Culture and Connection with Christmas Around the World

While the decorations are packed away and the new year has begun, some experiences stay with us. They remain because they capture something essential about who we are and how we come together as a community. At ISKL, our much-loved Christmas Around the World (CAW) is one of those special moments. Whatever the time of year, it remains a meaningful reminder of our school’s inclusivity, connection, and commitment to fostering cultural understanding.

Held each December at the end of Semester 1, the event is a long-standing Elementary School (ES) tradition organized by our dynamic Parent Teacher Association (PTA). A showcase of creativity, the event takes our ES students on a magical journey to explore how Christmas is celebrated around the world through displays, activities, music, dance, and the much-anticipated appearance of Santa!

This year, the visionary and hard-working PTA CAW Committee was again led by Co-Chairs Erin M. and Meghan D. With the support of a huge team of parent volunteers, they transformed ISKL’s Melawati Theatre into a magical wonderland filled with festive cheer. This was the result of many months of planning, and their commitment and creativity were visible in every detail, from beautifully crafted displays to hands-on activities that shared our community’s Christmas traditions from around the world.

“CAW is such a fun event that is for the ES students to experience different traditions from 16 ISKL communities,” shared Meghan D., PTA CAW Co-Chair. “I love this event because it is fun and magical for the students but also so loved by the parent volunteers as well. It is a way to bring a touch of home to the school campus and celebrate a variety of different cultures together in the same space. It truly has been a pleasure to chair this event the past two years with Erin and our volunteers.”

Erin M. echoed that same sense of connection at the heart of CAW. “Christmas Around the World is truly MAGICAL. It is such a great way for the Elementary students to experience how so many different countries celebrate things they cherish. Getting to meet and collaborate with parent volunteers and ISKL faculty and staff is such a gift,” she said. “I have met some truly fabulous people. Being Co-Chair of Christmas Around the World is definitely a highlight of the year.”

One of the most memorable examples of the PTA committee’s creativity was the Candy Cane Lane, which students walked through as they entered the theatre. It was a moment of pure delight as they stepped into a space that felt like a festive storybook brought to life. Adding to the atmosphere were musical performances from ISKL’s choirs, and with ES Red and Green Dress-Up Day taking place on the same day, the space became a sea of the season’s colors.

Another heartwarming symbol of unity could be found at the Elementary School Tree, where students hung their Christmas wishes. Their words offered a glimpse into their empathetic understanding of ISKL’s Vision: know yourself, care for all and create a better world. Many shared hopes for world peace, food for the hungry, protection of our planet, and saving endangered animals. In the middle of all the colour and celebration, these messages were a quiet reminder of the care and empathy our students carry with them.

We extend our sincerest thanks to Meghan D. and Erin M., and their incredible team of volunteers. Their time, energy, and creativity brought this spectacular event to life and enabled our students to truly feel the magic of the season. We can’t wait for December to see what’s in store for us!

Interested in learning more about the partnership we share with our inclusive and dynamic community? Click here to visit our Community page.