“KEEP classroom Christmas party celebrations simple, but meaningful.”

So said Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Assistant Schools Division Supt. Dr. Danilo Gudelosao.

The 126 public schools in the city are expected to hold Christmas parties within the week as classes will end on Saturday, Dec. 15.

In a memorandum issued last Nov. 28, the DepEd amended the start of the Christmas break from Saturday, Dec. 22, to Dec. 15.

Earlier, DepEd stressed the importance of spending quality time with the family during the Christmas season. But despite the yuletide frenzy, Gudelosao reminded school heads and teachers to hold modest classroom parties and let students enjoy the “true spirit of Christmas.”

“The party doesn’t have to be ostentatious. The important thing is the children will know why Christmas is celebrated,” he told SunStar Cebu in Cebuano.

Although welcomed, Gudelosao encouraged parents not to go beyond their budget when pledging for meals or decorations for their kids’ party.

“Since pledges are made voluntarily, we can’t really control that. However, we advise our parents not to go over the top because the prices of goods are increasing. We don’t want them to have budgetary problems,” he said.

Gudelosao also said that while exchanging presents is not mandated, the price range for the gifts should be kept at a minimum. This, he said, will not only help parents save money but also teach students the value of austerity and humility.

While DepEd expects students to have a holiday hangover when classes resume on Wednesday, Jan. 2, Gudelosao asked parents to make sure their kids attend classes so they won’t miss their lessons and activities. RTF