Dear Alva,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. I have always admired your unique combination of talents — running a cozy fish shop and teaching at the old school. It’s not often that someone can balance two such different worlds with so much kindness and dedication.

Your fish shop has always felt warm and welcoming, filled with the smell of the sea and your wonderful stories. And at the school, you have inspired so many students with your patience, wisdom, and gentle humor. It’s clear that everyone who meets you is touched by your caring nature.

Wishing you many happy days, fresh catches, and bright, curious students.

Anna

Dear Alva,

I am Nevena, and I’m thirteen years old. I liked your story in Klaus and I would like to tell you why. Because you never give up, and I like how you taught the children of Smeerensburg to write and read so they could send letters to Santa and get their toy.

What will you do next Chrismas? Will you teach more kids?

I hope to hear back from you.

Best wishes,

Nevena

Dear Klaus,

I hope this message finds you well in your quiet workshop among the pine trees. I wanted to take a moment to thank you—for your kindness, your generosity, and for reminding the world that a simple act can truly spark another.

Your toys, your spirit, and your willingness to believe in people, even when they struggle to believe in themselves, continue to inspire far beyond Smeerensburg. The way you helped transform a town filled with feuds into a place filled with laughter is something I won’t forget.

I imagine you’re still carving, creating, and listening closely for the sound of a child’s joy carried on the wind. If there’s ever anything you need—whether it’s a helping hand, a new idea for a toy, or even just someone to share a warm cup of cocoa—I’d be honored.

Thank you again for everything you’ve done, and for everything your story continues to inspire.

With gratitude, 

Irena

    This week's English Club meeting wad full of laughter and a touch of holiday magic. To inspire the students' writing skills and spark their imagination, we watched the animated film 'Klaus' - a beautifully crafted story about kindness, friendship, and the power of a single good deed. 

    Even though the movie is set in the snowy town of Smeerensburg, the warm message definitely reached our classroom. Students were fully engaged, reacting to the plot twists, the humor, and the touching moments that make is such a memorable film. Anna, Irena and Nevena enjoyed watching the antics of the townspeople and the many troubles of the hapless postman Jesper.    

    For this week's assignment, they were given a fun and meaningful task - to finish watching the movie at home and then write a letter to one of the characters of their choice - Alva, Jesper, Klaus, or even one of the children on the island. The goal was to practice expressive writing, develop their own voice, and connect personally with the story. The combination of a cozy movie session and the creative writing assignment made this English Club meeting particularly special. Students left the classroom smiling, inspired, and excited to share their letters during the week.

For this assignment, Anna has prepared a PP presentation, the text of which shall be transcribed here.

1. What are Christmas markets?

Christmas markets are traditional fairs that take place during Advent in many towns and cities in Germany and other European countries.

They usually start at the end of November and last until Christmas.

2. Atmosphere

The atmosphere at a Christmas market is warm and festive.

Everywhere you can see colorful lights, decorated Christmas trees, and hear Christmas music.

People often meet there with friends and family.

3. Food and Drinks

Typical Christmas market specialties include:

 • Glühwein (mulled wine) or children’s punch

 • Bratwurst

 • Gingerbread and Stollen

 • Roasted almonds and other sweets

4. Stalls and Handicrafts

Many stalls offer handmade items such as candles, wooden toys, jewelry, or Christmas decorations.

Visitors can buy unique Christmas gifts.

5. Special Attractions

Many Christmas markets have an ice rink, a carousel, or a small Christmas village.

For children, Santa Claus often makes an appearance.

6. Importance

Christmas markets are an important part of German Christmas culture.

They bring people together and create a cozy, festive atmosphere.

    Christmas in France is a really important holiday and a lot of people celebrate it in different ways. One thing that is very interesting is that French people start getting ready way early, sometimes even in November. They put lights all over the streets and there is Christmas markets that sells toys, food, and decorations. I wish we had more markets like that where I live because they look really fun and cozy. In France, kids don’t wait for Santa Claus exactly like we do. They call him Père Noël, which means Father Christmas. He brings presents on the night of December 24th. Some kids put their shoes by the fireplace so Père Noël puts gifts inside them. I think that is kind of funny because shoes don’t seem very clean, but I guess it is tradition. The food they eat on Christmas is super fancy. They have a big dinner called le Réveillon. The meal can have stuff like oysters, roasted goose, or even snails, which I would not eat even if someone paid me.

    They also eat a special dessert called Bûche de Noël, which is a cake shaped like a log. It’s supposed to look like the wood logs people used to burn for good luck, but now it’s just a dessert. Another cool thing is how they go to church at midnight sometimes. It’s called Midnight Mass, and a lot of families go together after their dinner. It sounds really late for little kids, but maybe they don’t get tired as fast as I do. Overall, Christmas in France is kind of similar to Christmas here but also different in many ways. They have their own traditions that make the holiday special. If I ever go to France, I want to see a real Christmas market and try the log cake, but we will see when that happens.

    Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a city called Jerusalem. It was a really special place for Jewish people, like their main home. But, things were not always easy. One day some bad people tried to take over, but a brave group of locals called the Maccabees fought back. T0hey won! But, when they went to light a fire in the temple there was only a little oil left. They needed it to light the lamp, they thought it would only last one day. Guess what?! It lasted eight days, and that was a miracle. That is why Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. They light eight candles representing the eight nights in a special holder called a menorah.

They remember the story by eating their traditional food, and talking about the story.

    Christmas in Mexico is a long holiday season from December 12 to January 6 known as Guadalupe Reyes marathon. The key celebration is Las Posadas, which starts on December 16 and ends on December 24. It reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought a place to stay in Bethlehem. 

    The celebration involves nightly processions where people dressed as Mary and Joseph, and other participants sing their traditional songs (villancicos) as they go from house to house asking for lodging. The residents inside sing back a response, initially refusing them. Once the group is “let in”, they gather inside the home to pray, often around a Nativity scene. After praying, the feast begins. 

    They eat traditional food like tamales, buñuelos and atole. Children often break open a piñata filled with candy as a finale to nights festivities. The nine nights represent nine months of Mary’s pregnancy.