Ka Pa‘alana staff and families at Pai‘olu Kaiāulu Shelter in Wai‘anae celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through song and dance December 22, 2010
There was a special feeling in the air as Ka Pa‘alana staff and families gathered together to share their talents and traditions at the Pai‘olu Kaiāulu Cultural & Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 15, 2010.
Our keiki kicked off the extravaganza with “Eia Mākou” accompanied by ukulele player Aunty Namahana and guitarist Uncle Kia‘i. Aunty Cheri’s preschoolers showed us how to celebrate the Christmas season Hawaiian style, as they sang and danced to “Christmas Lū‘au.” Our toddlers Kaulana, Kamalani, Bless and Okem jingled their way through an exciting number of “Jingle Bells.”
As the parents sang “Silent Night” in Marshallese, Chuukese, Hawaiian and together in English, we were reminded of the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of our Savior. Our Marshallese families brought it up a notch as they dazzled us with their Marshallese stick dance and our Chuuk families harmonized to a beautiful Chuukese Christian hymn. The last performance included our very own Ka Pa‘alana staff who graced the stage with a special hula entitled “White Christmas” dedicated especially to our shelter families.
Of course, we could not conclude the program without a visit from the big man himself. We welcomed Santa while singing “Santa Claus is coming to Town.” The children’s eyes lit up as Santa called them up one by one and presented them with their gift. It was a priceless moment that truly warmed everyone’s hearts.
Ka Pa‘alana and its families would like to send a big mahalo to the employees of the Hawai‘i Kai Costco who were so generous in providing all the presents for our keiki, and to all who participated and made this event possible. The spirit of Christmas was truly felt on this special day.