今年もクリスマスの季節。日本ではほとんどの人が宗教的な意味合いをまったくもたないで華やいだ気持ちでこの時期を過ごします。このサンタはブローチでボストンで２０年以上も前にCVS（全米でチェーン店を持つ薬局とコンビニが合わさった店）で１ドルか２ドルで購入したものです。毎年この時期になると職場の日本語の教室へつけていって
学生たちが質問に答えると下のベルを引いてサンタさんにバンザーイさせて、学生たちの笑いをとっていました。先日、月曜の朝の読み聞かせにこのサンタをつけて１年生の子供達の前に立ちましたがイマイチの反応で残念。来週の２年生で面白いクイズを考えて再挑戦してみます。実は一番ウカれているのは私なんですが… It's Christmas season again. In Japan many people spend this season in a cheerful mood without any religious feeling. I bought this cute Santa ornament (broach) at CVS/pharmacy in Boston more than 20 years ago. It was only 1 or 2 dollars. I used to put this Santa on my jacket in my Japanese class every year during this season and when students answered correctly my questions, I showed Santa raising both arms by pulling the red bell. In this way I enjoyed students laughing and feeling relaxed. This Monday morning, I went to the elementary school for story reading putting on this Santa, and contrary to my expectations, I couldn't get much reactions from the kids and I was a bit discouraged. I will try again during the next reading class for the second graders and give a more interesting quiz. In fact the person who is most excited by the Santa is myself...
