“Oh Christmas Tree” - About Giving and Love - 12/20/2025 Art Tutoring at Library

Authored by Rien Chen

This volunteer service was our last art tutoring activities of the year and took place right before Christmas.

Elena, my mom, and I prepared a Christmas tree at home using cardboard, making sure it would be easy for kids to decorate at the library and turn into something cute and special.

When I carried the tree to the library, Cielle had already started her singing lesson. I sat down to watch for a bit and then began preparing more circular paper ornaments for the kids to use later.

At 3:00 p.m., we started our art session on time. Since our volunteer art teachers were unable to make it that day, Cielle and I led the activity ourselves and guided the kids in decorating the Christmas tree.

Some kids were painting, some were cutting, and everyone was busy and fully engaged. Before long, the children began placing their beautiful artwork onto the tree.

Some kids wrote and drew messages on their paper ornaments, and one in particular caught my attention. It read: “You are so kind! Never give up! Happy holidays!” I don’t know whether she wrote it for herself or for a friend, but it truly moved me. I hope all the kids felt inspired, warmed by the holiday spirit, and that they carry hope in their hearts always.

After that, Cielle, the kids, and I added more ornaments and decorated the tree with colorful ribbons.

And just like that—we had a very cute Christmas tree, created through everyone’s effort, love, and creativity. We took a group photo to capture this warm and beautiful moment.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the trunk of the Christmas tree is actually a drawing made by another little girl. It was incredibly cute and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

We wrapped up the activity at 4:00 p.m. All the kids and parents were happy and asked when our next activities would be. We are sure we’ll be back very soon next year.

Before the kids left, each child picked a small gift from our lottery box, which we had prepared in advance. Everyone received something they liked and thanked us with bright smiles.

We left the Christmas tree in the library’s kids’ nook, hoping that more children will come by to draw, write, and stick their wishes and dreams onto it - lighting it up with their hopes.

Art tutors: Rien Chen, Cielle Chan

Special thanks to Skyline Hill library staff's great support this year! Amazing contributions by designing flyers for our tutoring program.