Christmas may well be a religious event, and many children are fully aware of the spiritual relevance of it. But the celebration and the freebies that come with it make the event all the more exciting. DAVID DARMANIN speaks to six year-old Joseph Preca, 10 year-old Mattia Darmanin and five year-old Valentina Stagno-Navarra
Why do we have Christmas? Joseph: To celebrate presents. Mattia: To celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Valentina: For baby Jesus.
Did you help in the setting up of the Christmas decorations? Joseph: I helped Papa set up the star on the Christmas tree, with the tinsel at the bottom. I also helped him carry the tree in a big, big box. Mattia: I helped my uncle and his girlfriend with the Christmas tree and other decorations. Valentina: I helped my mummy set up the Christmas tree… it has toys in it.
Do you prefer the Christmas tree or the crib? Joseph: I like both the Christmas tree and the crib, but I don’t have a crib. Instead, I have a big diamond that throws snowballs onto the tree… it keeps blowing. Mattia: The Christmas tree because it’s bigger and it can be seen better. Valentina: The crib, because there’s baby Jesus in it.
What did the angels say when Jesus was born? Joseph: They said: “the shepherds are coming”. Mattia: They sang… “Go, the mass has ended!” Valentina: I don’t know.
What is your favourite part of Christmas? Joseph: Santa giving me a hundred thousand presents and the chocolate balls he gives me every year. He gives me two chocolate balls – one for me and one for Louis (Joseph’s younger brother), but Louis doesn’t like them… he only likes chicken ‘knuckles’, so I take his chocolate. Mattia: Besides the presents, I like the spirit. Valentina: Jesus.
What are you looking forward to this Christmas? Joseph: Animal kingdom stickers – a present I put down on Santa’s list. Mattia: Christmas only happens once a year, so I really look forward to it – especially to the Play Station 3 that mummy is getting me. Valentina: To the holidays, so I can play with my computer. I play Dora on it.
What is the coolest gift you’ve ever received? Joseph: Pokemon cards – which I got when I was four years old. I still have them. Mattia: A create-your-own Light Saber. Valentina: I don’t know.
What is the worst gift you’ve ever received? Joseph: Robot cards from Santa – they weren’t even on the list. I don’t know why he always gets me stuff I don’t ask for. It’s not fair. He may have run out of presents, I don’t know. How does he get all those presents to give out? Mattia: I really need time to think about that. I can’t tell you… Valentina: I don’t know.
If you had to present baby Jesus with a gift, what would you give him? Joseph: I would give him a baby rattle so he can shake it. Mattia: My life. Valentina: I would give baby Jesus a pack of Jesus cards for Christmas
What are your favourite Christmas songs and stories? Joseph: Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday baby Jesus, happy birthday to you… and Santa’s Busy Day. Mattia: Let’s see… Jingle Bells-Batman smells, and the Carol of the Drum. Valentina: Ninni la tibkix izjed!
What do you think Father Christmas’ job is? Joseph: He gives presents and reads names from a list. He comes from the North Pole and goes on his special reindeers to come in through the chimney. But since we don’t have a chimney, Papa opens the door for him. Only Papa sees him – nobody else at home ever met him. I prepare cookies and a glass of milk for him and carrots for his reindeers. Mattia: He sends out presents. I asked him for a Star Wars toy this Christmas.
I don’t have a chimney at home and he still comes in – it’s magic. Valentina: He makes presents. I asked him for a doll.
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