The Dance Recital - A Holiday Tradition

     This is the time of year when family traditions really come into play around here.  Oh sure, we have traditions throughout the year, but from Thanksgiving through New Years Day is when we have the most.  Over the past handful of years we've thrown another one into the mix.  It's the Westerville Christmas Spectacular.  Thing is, if it weren't for our niece and nephew dancing in it, we wouldn't have even known about it, but they've made it a yearly tradition for us to take a ride up to Westerville and watch them help dance the holiday spirit into everyone there.  
     Meet our niece and nephew up there in the picture.  Ignore the little boy in the background, please.  I have no idea who that is.  He's a cutie, too, but I'm focusing on the two in the foreground.  Come on now, give them at least a little wave.  They had just finished their first performance of the day.  They and the rest of the dancers danced in three performances of the Westerville Christmas Spectacular this past Saturday, something that makes me tired just thinking about it.  It seems like just last year they were the little bitty bitties in the show, doing some cute little moves here and there, acting all shy.  This year they were doing a whole lot more dancing, and niece was even a ballerina.  Ahhhhh, I just love those ballerina outfits.  Makes me dream of buying a couple pair of those tummy taming Spankx to help rein in the middle aged years so I can get into a ballerina outfit.  A girl can dream!  As they're growing up, niece and nephew are able to participate in more songs and dances, and I was amazed at how many they were in this year!  We watched them shimmy, boogie, dance, and even sing.  I still can't get that Elf Lean dance out of my head, although I'm sure the animals would appreciate it if I did. 
     You know how many folks think this is the time of year to rush around, get all wigged out over having too much to do, and going generally crazy?  We just don't do that around here.  Christmas is going to come no matter what, so why go into a panic?  Instead, enjoy the lights, the decorations, and the special activities.  Go to that dreaded cookie exchange and enjoy yourself.  Next year, attend the Westerville Christmas Spectacular, or another holiday program near you.  In fact, why wait until next year?  Check out some of the fabulous holiday programs going on right now in your area!
     Here's the thing about the Westerville Christmas Spectacular that I like, besides seeing our niece, nephew, and the rest of the dancers bringing us boat load of holiday cheer - they help others in the process.  This year they chose to help a local charity called Westerville Caring and Sharing.  Each year they help an organization or family in need.  That's like a twofer - giving people not only the gift of song and dance, but an opportunity to help others.  That's what Christmas is about, folks.  We're here to help each other.  It's nice to get gifts, and it's nice to give gifts to people we know, but what about that complete stranger you've never met, but sure could use some help.  Whether it's a monetary donation, a gift donation, or helping someone bake cookies or hang up lights, it's all good.  Helping doesn't have to cost a thing.  From your local food pantry in need of food, to prison inmates needing yarn donations to make hats and mittens for kids, there's something for everyone to help with, if you just take a look.  
     So there you have it folks.  This time of year just wouldn't be the same for us if we didn't spend time at the Westerville Christmas Spectacular.  I'd like to thank Angie Haver and Cindy Straub for having the insight to put together a show like this years ago, and to keep it going.  Thank you to the Generations Performing Arts Center and everyone else who has helped out to make this holiday tradition of ours such a joy.  We appreciate the hard work and dedication!  Happy holidays everyone!  Smiling & Waving, Sharon 
     

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