Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, be plenteous in mercy is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Calvin Coolidge.

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

CHRISTMAS ESSAY - THIRD PRIZE


Timofeeva Victoria, 32(2)

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, 
and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”  
(Laura Ingalls Wilder)



Christmas is coming, it is one of the most important and magnificent holidays of the Christian calendar. This is a miraculous time of year when people begin to believe in miracles again and become pure-minded like heartfelt children.

We all come from childhood. This is a fun and good time which is associated with sweet memories and a sense of continuing happiness. I remember this happy-go-lucky period of my life when I dreamed with confidence without thinking whether my dreams would come true or not. On Christmas Eve there were dozens of lights which burnt in my house. Honestly, this amazing picture made my heart so bright and happy that I wanted to embrace the whole world. I waited always for Christmas time because it was very great to help my parents to make a special dinner and feel breathtaking holiday atmosphere. Even growing up I become a light-hearted child again for a while, forget all the troubles and plunge into the world of magic at Christmas.

Moreover, everything changes in the days of Christmas. In this period of time even the most hardened cynics turn into romantics and become a little kinder.  Most people forget about all the difficulties and could be among friends and relatives. All the year round we called each other on the phone occasionally, however at Christmas all loving people gather together at the same table. There is an opportunity to hug each other, talk, and wish happiness during this marvelous night. On Christmas Eve, the sky opens its gates, and we can make a wish, importantly that it should be sincere and from the heart.

I want to believe that we can start a new countdown on the eve of this holiday and our life will be more successful and full of incredible things. Once upon a time there was already a miracle, the birth of Jesus Christ. We yearn to believe in wonders and wish to let a little Christmas magic enter into our lives. Enjoy your life and go towards your dream like children - and then the most cherished desires will be fulfilled.

CHRISTMAS ESSAY - SECOND PRIZE


Dmitriy Skvortsov EG 32/2

“Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind.”
 (Mary Ellen Chase)

         Have you ever thought what naturally Christmas is? If you were asked, there would be probably such words in your answer as: Santa Claus, Christmas tree, gifts or presents, decorations, mistletoes, candles or whatever more. Anyway you can’t but mention Christmas as a date. Actually, Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind.

        Christmas is a state that makes people believe in miracle, wonder and love. Love becomes more powerful, because Christmas is not about one man, it is about all men, the children of God. Someone has said that if there was no Christmas, it would be necessary to invent one. However, these words are no doubt true. Unlike any holiday, Christmas reminds people about love that surrounds us and should be expressed within all of us. That is why we sing, smile and a handshake replaced by a hug these days. A date can’t inspire people, they are inspired by the state of mind, that captures us all.

         Nevertheless, one or two weeks before, all members of a family gather and begin to decorate their Christmas tree. The atmosphere of wonder, kind and hope is settled in these family members’ minds. Each expects everyone to give and take mutual kindness, care and love. So this state of mind leaves no other choice for them but believe in Christmas as something that unite and warm their hearts.

         It is hardly possible not to agree with the fact that Christmas leaves us a great feeling of something unnatural has already happened, and still, it is happening. The fact is that Christmas, as the state of mind, continues to make our hearts beat in the merry rhythm of forgiveness and readiness to help. Even after clock strikes twelve people believe that everything will be fine.

         However any date, even when it is a holiday, can’t last more than twenty four hours. In case Christmas is a state of mind, only then, we can speak about its immortal ability to sustain an atmosphere of wonder that spreads among all the people celebrating this wonderful holiday. We can celebrate Christmas whenever we wish, even each day, if our hearts and souls really want to. Because it is not certainly a date, it is a state of mind that goes as a reminder for us to act: help, unite, forgive and love people.


CHRISTMAS ESSAY - FIRST PRIZE


Irina Nazarova, EF 31(2)

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”  (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Christmas… It sounds like music, doesn’t it? Snow-covered houses, adorned with garlands, illuminated streets… A little cozy room in a soft evening shade, a fine Christmas tree, and at night, when everybody has gone to bed, a jolly Santa Claus, appearing out of the chimney … I believe this picture is familiar to everybody, as Christmas is thought to call up only pleasant associations. Or, maybe, these are only childhood memories, ridiculous and naïve? By no means, our attitude to life changes with age. But isn’t there a chance to turn back the clock at least on this marvelous holiday?
When we are younger, everything is different to us: the stars seem closer, houses and trees – larger, and holidays – merrier and filled with magic, as every child expects something unusual to happen. I remember the joy of preparing homemade Christmas cards and designing a fancy dress for our school party together with my family. And, of course, creeping to the Christmas tree in the morning to see what Father Frost has left for me. Such moments, kept in our memories, sometimes help us through the hardships of life, so hard to bear sometimes.

You see, the daily routine causes our growing practical and even cynical with years. Yet, fortunately, there is a way to avoid our complete turn for the worse: as we grow older, there is more opportunity to make others happy and let their wishes come true. And, when you see your dearest’s brightened faces, you’ll find yourself ready to believe in wonders. And you’ll certainly believe and start making wishes, longing for presents, and peering into the darkness to see Santa driving in his sledge. Moreover, like a small child who has done something wrong, you may want to get better in the future, and that’s what others also do. The holiday mood shared by everybody is the one that makes Christmas so unique.

You may hear someone say they don’t like holiday rush, expenses for gifts and all this staff. To be honest, I don’t think they are sincere, for an open-hearted child always lives in us and is awake when Christmas comes. So why not indulge ourselves a bit on such a wonderful occasion? Wish, dream, take joy from this merry holiday and make others shine with delight, not only on this day, but throughout all the following years! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CHRISTMAS ESSAY WINNERS

OUR CHRISTMAS ESSAY WINNERS!!!

PLACE 1

NAZAROVA IRINA

PLACE 2

SKVORTSOV DMITRY

PLACE 3

TIMOFEEVA VICTORIA

CONGRATULATIONS!!!




Monday, 24 December 2012

OUR WINNERS

1-2  PLACES

PAVLOVA MARIA AND STRELTSOVA ANASTASIA

MORE THAN 190 POINTS



3-4 PLACES

VOROZHEIKINA DARIA AND LEONOVA ELISAVETA

MORE THAN 170 POINTS


  24 OF YOU HAVE PASSED THE COMPETITION!!!


WEEK 5 RESULTS!


Week 5 proved that flooding is infectious.

So here is the PENALTY for week 5.

If you post more than 5 commentaries per post, each of them is 1 point!
If you post 5 or fewer comments, each of them is 2 points!

NEW: 
Multi-comments to Let's share are penalised - only 6 and fewer commentaries are awarded 1 point per commentary.

If you score more than 10 BONUS points per week, each of them brings only 0,1 point to your subtotal.

NEW: 
If you score 10 or fewer  BONUS points per week, each of them brings  1 point to your subtotal.

As most multiple-comments in week 5 were made early in the week,
 all the participants who have scored at least 10 points for their weekly work in the blog 
(I wonder how they managed!!!), are awarded
5 bonus points for FAIR play!!!



1  Лапшина Юлия
44 
2      Гуляева Ольга42
3  Стрельцова Анастасия41,2
4
5
  Ворожейкина Дарья
  Павлова Мария
41
40,7

   
 Фадеева Екатерина
  
39

Here is the list of all the participants