St. Croix – It’s an easy equation to add up and find the common denominator behind the three powerhouse organizations that presented “Traditions Across the Globe” this weekend. In fact, It all adds up quite easily to the undying devotion of three nonprofit organizations who have at heart the well-being of St. Croix’s children: West Gyul’s Kidsville, The Children’s Museum and The Butterfly Effect who, in unison, threw a party that turned into an island-shattering event of epic proportions, staged on the grounds of the beautiful new 4-acre campus of the Children’s Museum in Frederiksted.
To say the least, Love was in the Air! You could feel it on every child and parent’s smiling face, at all children’s Play & Learn booth, that was set up in the main building and across the lovely tree-shaded grounds. You could feel the Love being transmitted from one parent and visitor to another, hundreds in attendance, smiling, laughing, exuding warm feelings, catching the vibes of the day for what it was meant to be: A Celebration of St. Croix’s Children.
“We decided since we had this new space that we wanted to do something special for the holidays,” said Ellie Hirsh, President of the Board of The Children’s Museum of St. Croix. “I called West Gyul and we decided to do this together with their Kidsville event. And West Gyul has this incredible enthusiasm and great attitude. And we also decided to partner with The Butterfly Effect, which is Bianca Francis, and she’s collected over 500 gifts for kids, and so we thought what was better on this day then to give away those gifts…The best thing we can do for the community is to partner. And the more we can work together and collaborate the more successful we all become for the sake of the children of St. Croix.”
The event was a great success because groups and organizations were invited from all faiths and walks of life. The Bahai, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Islam, Kwanzii, all set up booths of joy and greeting for the holiday season.
“Today we are having our fifth annual Christmas edition of Kidsville,” said Tatyana from West Gyul. “We are partnering with the Children’s Museum at their new home in Carlson. We are also partnering with The Butterfly Effect, who are known for doing downtown Christmas. They have been giving away gifts to children for over a decade. Later in the day when Santa makes his grand entrance, Butterfly Effect has been collecting gifts for the children, so the gifts will be able to be shared around. And the kids will be able to sit on Santa’s lap,” Tatayana explained the meaning of the event. “Today’s theme is Traditions Around the Globe, so everyone can learn about different cultures. We are very grateful for everyone here that has partnered with us. We are also very grateful for all the volunteers that have helped with this initiative.”
Someone from the crowd yelled out: “Hey kids! It’s Santa!”
And so, it was Santa, with his smiley face and his jolly old self, dressed in traditional red garb, shouting Ho! Ho! Ho! Just in from the North Pole. Sitting on his colorful sleigh, greeting the overly enthusiastic kids as they sat on his lap and whispered to him what they wanted for Christmas. It was a once in a lifetime joy for children of all ages.
“We are so excited to be here as part of Kidsville today,” said Jessica Parker-White, the Education Coordinator at CMCArts in Frederiksted. “We are excited to be here working with West Gyul and the Children’s Museum and the Butterfly Effect. Today we are having the children and their parents coming into our tent space, making beautiful ornaments for the Christmas season.
We’re also making masquerade castles with the Pitchy Patchy cloth, to help preserve our culture and also get them interested in the upcoming children’s parade,” Jessica explained. “We are also introducing parents to the CMCArts Museum where we have a lot of programs for the children, all the way from age two to adults. And this event, with children and their parents, is just a great way to wind up 2025.”
Yes, and what could be a better way to celebrate the holidays than with an event that brings out shared brotherhood, a love for one another, and a way to honor the spirit of Christmas by gathering everyone together on a beautiful Crucian day, exploring the different ways cultures from around the world celebrate their individual holiday traditions.
Kudos! to The Children’s Museum! Kudos! to West Gyul’s Kidsville! And Kudos! To The Butterfly Effect! A brilliant idea to stage an event that brings us all together as one people. Or as Bob Marley sings: One Love!
…As he rode out of sight, all the kids from one to ninety-three could hear Santa shout out and say: Merry Christmas To All And To All A Good Life!
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