The evening meal had just finished and the children were tidying away.

Above the clatter of crockery and cutlery being washed and dried, Granma T asked quietly yet quizzically,

"Ay, aren't your penfriends coming to stay soon?"

Before allowing either Little Fung or little Ming to answer she continued, "We have made no preparations at all for them... we have not thought about this visit once, just what are we going to do with them?"

"But Granma, Leo and Leone won't be here for ages, their school holiday doesn't start till about December 23rd. We have plenty of time to get things ready for them," Little Ming replied after a moment's deliberation. His worried frown now almost gone.

"Yea, that's true", echoed Little Fung who was eager to start playing Luk tsut k'i (see Games Archive, April 1998) for the umpteenth time this term.

"NO, no children, if this visit of the British youngsters from the International school is to be a success we must plan and prepare very carefully.Leo and Leone are making a large sacrifice at this time of year to come and visit you pair. Back home in their own country with their families they would make quite a celebration of this holiday."

But for the life of her, Granma T could not remember the name of these festivities...

Later on in the evening, Little Fung, who had lost again to Little Ming at Luk tsut k'i, was bored and began to think aloud about Leo and Leone....

"It is Christmas that they would be celebrating back in England... ..I wonder what is so special for them about this holiday? Where could we find out more?"

Little Ming somewhat knowingly looked up from his books and in exaggerated tones of exasperation lectured both Granma T, who was now no longer snoozing,and Little Fung. Both were now all ears...

"..they could just as well be Muslim children or Jewish or Hindus for that matter. Not all British people celebrate Christmas...I think we should do some research".

"We could start with the Internet down in the newly opened Tea Rooms," said Granma T - always eager to try out new things.

I think we should ask Leo and Leone, what they would like to do when they come and stay with us...," added Little Fung, "but we should ask them in a round about way and..."

By now Granma T had a full head of steam and cut across what Little Fung was saying with, "You are right children, we must do all that we can to make their stay with us a happy and worthwhile visit. We must plan and prepare, we must get the help of the others...."

In the meantime.....

Children you may like to:

1. Complete the silhouettes of Little Ming and Little Fung dancing for joy at the news Leo and Leone are definitely coming to stay.
2. Estimate then calculate accurately how much time in minutes there is before your school holiday starts. Find what margin of error you and your friends make on this activity.
3. Discuss with others, then write a poem about what would you want to do if you were to go to China for your next school holiday.
4. Leo and Leone are two closely related names make a list of other similar names used for girls and boys.

Parents you might like to:

1. Talk about then try to list all the denominations of Christianity.
2. . Discuss the problems of having friends to stay - whether it be for a 'sleep over' or staying for a period of time. List the plans and preparations that would be needed.
3. . Decide what are 'exaggerated tones of exasperation' and rehearse some with each other.
4. Consider the different ways Santa could visit 3, 4, 5 .....all the households on your street, when making his rounds this Christmas Eve.

Teachers you might like to:

1. Use the opportunity to discuss other religions and some of the ceremonies they enjoy.
2. Encourage the children to write about their experiences when staying with or sleeping over at a friends.
3. Consider the celebration of Christmas, and using the Internet to explore the symbolism of some of the items often taken for granted. e.g. The tree? The baubles? The gifts. The holly and the ivy
4. Build upon some of the figures of speech found above - ' ...a full head of steam'; '...think aloud'; '..all ears'; etc.
5. Consider the mathematical opportunities presented when:
   1. wrapping a specific present (some multilink) with the LEAST amount of paper
   2. designing a Christmas tree/ candle using LOGO
   3. everyone in class exchanges gifts and cards - just how much is needed?
   4. singing 'The 12 days of Christmas' and finding ALL the presents bought (hint: 1 + 1 + 2 + ....)