It was about 6:30 on the 20th of December when preparations for the Christmas village began. Unlike other times, sold goods were brought inside due to the cold weather. From handmade toys and soaps, jewelry, and paintings to seasonal sweets, vendors offered a large variety of goods with all proceeds going to Hospice Peritsvaleba, which our school has been helping for many years. Many point out that Levan Ghambashidze’s hot dogs, which were grilled right in the school’s front yard, were a big hit! Our latest newspaper edition was also displayed, drawing interest from parents and alumni, and providing them with an opportunity to stay updated on recent events in the school and reconnect with the community.
The atmosphere, though undeniably cold, was filled with laughter and joy. Children running around in playful excitement, alumni warmly reuniting with their teachers and classmates, and the sound and smell of cracking wood and Christmas music filled the air. The holiday spirit was unmistakably alive. Some went on roasting marshmallows, helping prepare hot dogs, or just enjoying the event, buying produce and contributing to the donations. Elene Mosiashvili points out that “the highlight of this evening was definitely when a man mistook soap for a chocolate bar and ate it.” An alumni Giorgi Iashvili mentioned the comfort the event brings to him: “It’s always great coming back. I come [to the GZAAT Christmas village] every time I’m back in Georgia. I love the atmosphere. Even though there are a lot of bad things happening in the country right now, it’s good to see people make an effort to help each other out.”
Parents were also satisfied with the event, as Giorgi Kondakhishvili shared with the Gazette: “I love what the school is doing here today. It’s always important to help those in need. I’m hoping there will be more events like this to raise money for charity.”
After everyone had fulfilled their appetite, people gathered in a circle to play frisbee, an undoubtedly popular game at our school. During the game, Levan Ghambashidze leaped to catch a throw from Anastasia Peikrishvili, but instead, he tumbled right into the fire! As everyone rushed to check if he was alright, they couldn’t help but laugh. Though Levan sustained only minor injuries (a semicircle-shaped burn from the iron barrel), his mishap ended up being the highlight of the evening, bringing plenty of laughter and making everyone smile. “During the Vardzia trip, I fell into the water. Now, at the Christmas village, I fell in the fire. These are obviously planned attempts for me not to come to school,” said Levan when asked about the incident. “I’m glad it made everyone laugh. I didn’t think my accident would make so many people happy. In the future, I will try to make our school community more lively by doing similar stunts.” His accident was truly unforgettable, and a memory that students will look back on for years to come.
As the evening neared 9:30, people began to pack up and head home. In the end, the Christmas village raised over 9000 GEL for charity while also spreading some holiday cheer in the school community and beyond. Edited By: Tasia Kurdghelia
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