Carol of the children

In the 2003 movie “Elf,” Buddy proclaims, “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

An ensemble of 25 first- and second-graders took that advice literally. Students from St. Andrew Catholic School in Rock Falls, Illinois, went on a performance tour de force, playing at eight nursing homes Tuesday.

They performed a five-song set of the classics. But the real Christmas magic came after the carols were sung and children made the rounds to wish residents a merry Christmas.

“They’ve looked forward to that at every home, and it’s melted my heart, watching them do this all day,” said first-grade teacher Jennifer Jordan, who came up with the idea for the tour to Sauk Valley.

Meeting residents was unanimously the children’s favorite part of the day.

“(The residents) might not get to see people that much,” John says.

“And we don’t see them a lot,” adds classmate Blair Grennan.

Christmas spirit, indeed. 

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.